Austin, Texas

Having looked quickly over the leftover schoolwork Kristin had kept from last semester, gaining satisfaction that his money wasn't entirely wasted, JR and Kristin quickly ran out of things to do or talk about; the reality was, apart from Sue Ellen, they didn't have very much in common. "Mr Ewing?" using his formal title until she received further instruction, Kristin looked at the man that held so much power over her, despite not really having any real connection to her; she didn't really understand what her mother's game was, and although she trusted her, her trust only went so far. "It's ok, you've called me JR for years, we don't need to regress", holding back from rolling his eyes, JR quickly corrected her and then waited for her to ask whatever she was planning on asking. "JR", nodding respectfully, as she had been taught, Kristin began to speak, "I just wanted to thank you. I know my mama probably doesn't show it sometimes, but we really are grateful for everything the Ewing family have done for us; me especially, I enjoy my private school and I like visiting Southfork. I'm not stupid, I know that you mostly do things because Sue Ellen is your wife and you have a duty to look after your wife's family too, but I wanted to let you know that I do appreciate it". Deciding not to take any chances by letting her mother's words and actions solely secure their social and financial position, she sucked up to her brother-in-law; most of what she said was true though, so it wasn't too difficult to make her words sound meaningful, and from the look on JR's face, she wasn't a bad storyteller. "Intuitive little thing aren't you?" muttering mostly to himself, JR was impressed that even at a young age, Kristin understood the difference between him giving money because he cared and him giving money because he felt a sense of obligation and duty, and deciding to use her intuition and understanding to his advantage, he chose his next few words carefully. "Thank you Kristin, it's nice to know that somebody appreciates my efforts, heaven knows the oil business could use more grateful and understanding people", buttering her up with a compliment first, he then asked her a sly question, "say, did I hear you mention earlier that you were a cheerleader?" She was young and smart, especially in the ways of manipulation and information gathering, however, she wasn't that smart, not in comparison to him, and if he played his cards right, he could have all the information he wanted for only a small price.

Downstairs, things weren't going so well; "how dare you speak to me like that!? JR may be your husband and have authority over you at Southfork, but I am your mother and in this house, I am the authority figure. I didn't have to, but I told you the details of the pitiful life your father left us with when he cowardly deserted us and I explained the unfortunate details of why things were so tough for you growing up. I did that because I wanted you to have a better understanding of why we need help now, and I had hoped that I had raised you with some understanding of empathy and generosity, but obviously, that's not quite how things turned out. Now, I'm not one to get easily offended, but for you to listen to all of the details and then so insensitively reply with the remark that all I'm looking for is money, well, that's not right and you know something, I am offended and I would like an apology". Half playing her daughter for sympathy and kindness and half actually offended, Patricia looked at Sue Ellen expectantly; things weren't at all following the plan she had imagined and she was actually getting a little worried. She had expected Sue Ellen to apologise and ask JR to compensate her appropriately, or simply just suggest helping her out with her problems, but with Sue Ellen's judgemental and unhelpful attitude, she could see her goal slowly slipping away from her and she was not happy. It also bothered her that Sue Ellen had simplified all of her confessions and explanations down to the fact that she wanted money and she was actually a little offended, even if it was true. "How dare I? Really?" hearing the way her mother raised her voice, Sue Ellen snapped, politeness was obviously no longer required. "I'm sorry that daddy didn't leave us with much when he left and then when he died, but that was over a decade ago, you have to stop blaming things on him; he's not here and he doesn't control the money you have. As for that money you do currently have, you should be thanking JR, not begging him for more; he's a very generous man and contrary to what you believe, he's in no way obligated to support you or Kirstin financially, or in any way really. As for your plan to move to Dallas, I imagine that that was nothing more than an opportunistic attempt to up your social and financial position and the fact that John Ross and I are there is really just the secondary benefit". Seeing the look on her mother's face was enough to confirm to her that her assumptions were correct, "that is it, isn't it?" shocked and hurt, she wasn't sure what to say, "I can't believe it… well, actually, I can, but I don't want to. Does family really mean less to you than money and power?" knowing that even JR had a true sense of loyalty to his family, or at least his father, she hoped that her mother was similar, but judging from their past relationship, she wasn't so sure.

"Don't you judge me; I sacrificed a lot for you and you're better off because of it. You're married to a wealthy man, you have the social connections to get ahead and you have a family who love you; you don't understand my perspective or why I had to do what I did. Of course family matters to me, but I have to be realistic about everything else too. Not everyone has the same privileges as you; you'd do well to remember that", glaring at her daughter, Patricia was ready for a fight. "Privilege mama? I know I'm privileged, but that doesn't mean that I owe you anything. You said it yourself, you purposely manipulated me and pushed me into income earning activities as a teenager so that I could make a little money and support our family. I was the child in the situation, you were the adult, you were responsible for making sure that we were looked after, not the other way around, so as far as I'm concerned, I've done my part to support the family, it's time you did yours. If you so desperately want to live the life of a wealthy woman, why don't you marry a wealthy man yourself? There are plenty of single, wealthy men out there, I know, I've dated them; they may be disgusting and unappealing, but they're rich and that's all you seem to care about. Actually, if you ask JR for anything, it could be that; I'm sure he knows some nice oilmen", replying in an annoyed, sarcastic and almost angry tone, Sue Ellen wasn't particularly surprised when her mother replied, raising her voice louder than she had heard her in years, "SUE ELLEN SHEPARD! HOW DARE YOU!" what did come as a complete surprise though was the stinging pain that then overcame her and looking at the floor, she then realised exactly what had happened; her mother had slapped her, just as her husband and younger sister re-entered the room.

To be continued…