Austin, Texas
By Monday afternoon, everyone on campus knew what everyone else did over Thanksgiving weekend. Four of Sue Ellen's sorority sisters had brand new diamond rings on their left hands; engagement season had officially begun. Even the girls who didn't have rings had stories to tell about the new developments in their relationships. Sue Ellen had been asked numerous times whether JR had said or done anything, and many of the other girls seemed surprised that they hadn't even spent Thanksgiving together. A few girls had expressed their sympathies, but tried to make her feel better by saying that there was still Christmas, New Year and Valentine's Day before graduation. The 'ring by spring' mentality was strong within the college, despite what Paula and some of the other girls tried to convince her about not having to commit to one man. Sue Ellen understood why her classmates were confused about JR's lack of relationship development; it felt like they'd been together for a long time when in reality it had really only been a few months, people assumed that they were at a point where engagement was expected rather than just a possibility. Sue Ellen didn't let any of the comments bother her though, she was secure in the knowledge that when the time was right, JR would make his move; he'd already verbally committed to marriage.
Although she'd had a lovely, relaxing weekend, the next month was going to be hectic. The semester was ending in just a few weeks, she'd have final exams and assignments to complete and with that came stress. She also had large number of parades and community events to attend because she was Miss Texas and holiday season had begun. Her modelling jobs were not stressful, just time consuming, but they paid well, so she agreed to take a few more than she usually would. She wanted to be able to buy everyone nice gifts this year, especially JR, what did one buy the man who had everything and unlimited resources? She loved holiday season, but prepared herself to be stretched thin with all of her commitments.
Dallas, Texas
Thanksgiving came and went, the Ewings had a good time together, but by the time Monday rolled around, it was back to regular life. This was a little different though; Thanksgiving signalled the official start of holiday season, meaning that Southfork was a little more decorated and they had more social events to attend. JR couldn't wait to introduce Sue Ellen to some more of the Ewing family traditions; it was at times like these where he couldn't wait to share the season with his own son one day. It wasn't all play though, the office was busier than ever, they had a lot of work to do before they shut down for a longer period of time over Christmas and New Year. The late nights were inevitable, no longer just a convenient excuse in the morning, he really was stuck at the office.
JR boarded the Ewing jet for his flight to Austin, it had only been a week and already he could tell that Sue Ellen had lost the relaxing mind-set that Thanksgiving had given her. When he'd spoken to her on the phone earlier, she sounded stressed and overwhelmed and he'd decided that she needed a reminder of what relaxation felt like. He had rescheduled his business dinner and made plans to fly to Austin and surprise her; she could use a little comfort right now.
Austin, Texas
Returning from a late cheerleading practice, Sue Ellen realised that she hadn't eaten lunch or dinner, she was starving and still didn't really have time to eat, she had to do so many things before the end of the week and had no idea where to even start. Walking toward the sorority house, she was greeted by a chauffeur and a waiting limousine, JR had arranged for a relaxing massage before he arrived, though she wasn't informed that JR would be her dinner date, that part was a secret. She realised how tense she probably sounded on the phone and had accidentally worried JR, though she was not upset about his gesture, it was thoughtful and sweet. She decided that it would be better for everyone if she did take a few hours to relax and unwind, she'd be able to look at all of her tasks with a clear mind again.
As her massage ended, she was calm and reinvigorated, the tasks before her really weren't that big, she'd just been overwhelmed earlier. The massage was perfect for clearing her head and she silently thanked JR for being so thoughtful. No one would believe that JR Ewing was this sweet; she was one of the privileged few that got to witness his softer side. The chauffeur had assured her that he would be waiting outside for her when she was finished; as she exited the spa, she realised that JR was standing outside, leaning against the limousine. She walked a little faster and as she got close, wrapped her arms around him; it was so nice to just be near him. "Thank you" she whispered, not breaking their hug; JR held her a little tighter, she seemed to be doing better already. "Come on" he motioned toward the limo, "I'd bet anything that you haven't eaten have you?" she looked at him sheepishly, he was right, she hadn't eaten. The limo brought them to a small restaurant, entering the building she laughed; the restaurant was completely empty. "I don't know how you do it JR, but I love that you can", he smiled; he just wanted her to be happy. He couldn't believe the way he acted around her sometimes, it was like he was a completely different person to the image he portrayed publicly; but being around Sue Ellen brought out a different side to him. As the limo arrived back at her sorority house, she felt so much better than she had earlier in the day, all because of JR. "JR, thank you. I can't express how much this helped me; I know you have your own problems but you still came here and fixed mine. You know, people don't believe me when I tell them about how sweet you can be. I'm beginning to understand how lucky I am to get this special treatment" she grinned as his expression changed; her words had matched his own thoughts. He was a different person around her and it wasn't surprising that no one believed her, "well, it wouldn't be special if everyone saw that side", he kissed her one last time before walking her to the door and letting her get back to reality again.
Dallas, Texas
"JR, will Sue Ellen be joining us for the annual Christmas party?" Miss Ellie prompted her son, he hadn't mentioned Sue Ellen's Christmas plans yet and it struck her as a little odd; their relationship seemed strong, she didn't understand why he wouldn't invite her to the party. JR heard his mama asking him the question, but the only thing in his mind was Christmas day, he wished Sue Ellen could be here with him, but that would mean Patricia would also be here. With Patricia came the dreaded meeting of the parents. Introducing their parents seemed so formal and he knew that they'd all take it as a hint, whether he meant it that way or not. So far, their lives were separated, they had their Austin life and their Dallas life, but with an invitation for Patricia to meet his parents, came a stronger assumption that their relationship was becoming more serious. JR was still hesitant about the commitment to marriage so early in their relationship, he wanted Sue Ellen to be his wife one day, but it wasn't an immediate plan. "JR?" he still hadn't given his mother an answer, "oh yes mama, I think she will be here. I haven't asked her yet though". Miss Ellie could tell that something was bothering him; she just didn't know what it was. "Do you know what her plans are for Christmas day?" she pushed a little harder, she was curious; she realised that although she'd heard plenty of stories about Sue Ellen's family, she'd never actually met them, not even when her mother had visited Dallas while Sue Ellen attended the Oil Baron's Ball. "Oh no mama, I'm not sure. Probably just spending the day with her mama and sister; she never mentioned going away for the holidays or anything like that" he didn't know why he was revealing so much information. "Oh I see, well that should be nice. You know, I was just thinking, I've never met Sue Ellen's family. You really should invite them over one day, her mother must think we are very rude hosts, you've been dating her daughter for months now and I haven't even met her. How about next weekend?" JR felt backed into a corner, he hadn't expected to have this happen so quickly, "mm, I'll ask Sue Ellen, they may not be free. Excuse me mama" he got up from the table and exited the room; he needed to get away from this conversation.
To be continued…