Dallas, Texas

Planning to bring James to his grandmother's house in Richardson anyway, Paula had jumped at the invitation to spend the day with Sue Ellen at Southfork, especially after hearing that she had the whole house to herself for the day, well, mostly to herself, John Ross and the staff would be there, but that wasn't a problem. "…I love it, I really do. Being back in Texas, even if in a different city from where I've ever lived before, it's wonderful. Everything is so familiar, the food, the stores, the accents or lack of accents, the customs and way people treat each other, even just being able to say I'm a Cowboys fan, that's nice; I feel like I'm back where I belong. Plus, Roger has better work hours and almost no business trips now and with Arlington just a thirty five minute drive from our families in Richardson, there are so many more opportunities to spend time with our families, but also spend time just as our own little family. I am so happy to be home, and I'm happy to be close to you again", smiling widely as she spoke, Paula's emotion about being back in Texas was contagious and with Sue Ellen's general happiness about how her life was, she couldn't help but smile just as brightly. "I'm happy that you're happy, and as a former Miss Texas, UT cheerleader and all-around Texan girl, it makes me extremely happy that your happiness is centred around Texas". Taking advantage of an opportunity to jokingly reference her former ambassadorial status, knowing that Paula truly 'got' what she meant and didn't take the Miss Texas title too seriously like some people she met in general life, Sue Ellen felt tingles of happiness as her friend laughed and then light-heartedly responded in a way that mimicked Sue Ellen's unwavering politeness. It felt good to be around someone that she was completely comfortable and relaxed with because apart from JR and occasionally Miss Ellie, she didn't have many adults in her life that she let see every side of her. Doctor Williams only knew what she told him and he was her therapist, not her friend, he didn't know her personally. She liked her in-laws, but didn't want to completely let go of her inhibitions in front of Jock or Bobby and Lucy was just a child, and as much as she enjoyed chatting with the ladies she worked with at her charity job and occasionally socialising with the DOA ladies, it wasn't the same as being with a true friend.

Sitting on the patio, sipping their iced tea and chatting, mostly about Paula's life to begin with but occasionally about Sue Ellen's, the two old friends were gleeful; everything finally felt right. The fun they'd had together in college had ended at graduation and for both of them, the few years in-between then and now had been a little challenging, but finally, after everything, things had settled and each of them were completely content with their lives. It was a wonderful feeling and it was even more wonderful to be able to share it with a friend, especially a friend who understood the whole timeline of events. Feeling comfortable with her friend and being infinitely grateful that there was no judgement because Paula understood exactly how her mother could be, Sue Ellen detailed the situation and events that had occurred between JR and her mother. Listening, Paula spoke, "it's about time someone said something and put her in her place, in fact, knowing JR, I'm actually a little surprised it took so long; from what I understand, he's not the type of man to allow someone else to dictate his actions, especially not after he got what he wanted out of the deal… you. I understand how he got into the situation, because your mother was a bit of a control freak, especially about who you dated, so in courting you, he had to impress her, but after the wedding, that was generous and she should have been very thankful for the support". Giving her opinion on the situation, she didn't even try to hide her real thoughts; Patricia Shepard was a manipulative schemer who wasn't owed anything by anyone, least of all JR Ewing. She would always maintain that JR Ewing was her second choice for Sue Ellen's husband and she was testing him to make sure that he was suitable and could support her daughter properly, however, it wasn't really that deep; the moment the Ewing name was mentioned, Sue Ellen's fate was secured and sealed. The Ewings had money, Patricia knew that, and with Sue Ellen clearly feeling something strong for Mr JR Ewing and vice versa, they were a perfect match; Patricia had to have known that, but if she did, she didn't make it easy for things to fall into place.

Nodding, Sue Ellen spoke, "I agree; I actually don't even believe JR owed her anything when we were dating. My mother was greedy and purposely obstinate, she knew JR and I wanted a little freedom to explore our relationship and she wasn't truly opposed to us dating, but to give permission freely would have meant that she didn't really benefit. By making life difficult, she found herself being bribed into things that she shouldn't have even really had control over in the first place, but to JR, the money didn't really matter, it was such a miniscule amount to him that it was easier to just give it to her than to argue. I'm not entirely sure how he got roped into supporting my mother and sister post-marriage though, but I know he didn't really mind, not until my mother pushed too far, asking for too much without having anything to offer in return. Cutting her off was the best choice for us… I'll probably end up back in contact with her at some point in the future, but it will be on my terms, not hers. I'm stronger and more assertive now, I won't be pushed into anything, and JR is done with her and her begging; if she wants a relationship based on love and respect, then we'll talk, but anything else is not going to happen". Feeling strongly about her choice and happy to have support behind her decision that wasn't only from the Ewings, Sue Ellen felt confident and happy as she spoke and watching her friend raise her glass, she giggled. "Hear, hear", thrilled that Sue Ellen had finally overcome her mother's controlling nature, Paula toasted her; it was wonderful to see her friend happy and successful and she hoped that the future held nothing but good things for them. "Hear, hear", raising her own glass and clinking Paula's glass, Sue Ellen smiled and sighed happily; everything was good.

To be continued…