Dallas, Texas

"Thank you", looking at JR and then at Sue Ellen as she sat in the downstairs office for a group meeting, Kristin truly meant what she said. It still amazed her that her sister who she had never been particularly fond of and her sister's husband who she was sure wasn't particularly fond of her, were being so kind toward her, especially when they didn't have to be. She wasn't an orphaned child, she had a home in Austin, however, she didn't feel comfortable there anymore and it was obvious to anyone who would listen that her home in Austin wasn't the best environment for her; what she was grateful for though was that as well as recognition of her situation, there was genuine help available to her. She wasn't stupid, she knew that JR had his own agenda behind his actions, however, there appeared to be some empathy for her situation in his decision too, and for that she was appreciative. She didn't expect him to support her forever and she had been somewhat understanding of his decision to cross Patricia off of his 'charitable causes' list, but understanding something and being happy to deal with the consequences were two different things, and for her, despite being a strong young woman, life had been difficult since he stopped financing her mother. In going to see JR to ask for his assistance, she had put herself on the line, because if he said no and sent her back home to her mother, then her mother would have been even more upset and angry than she already was and then the situation she had to deal with at home would've been even worse. Luckily though, JR had agreed to help her, and although his help was conditional on her taking responsibility for her academics and personal actions, upholding the standards of the Ewing name and following other general rules he set, she had no hesitations about accepting, especially after seeing the prospectus of the school he had selected for her. She was an independent and confident young woman and although her mother had controlled her entire life up until this point in time, she didn't feel nervous or upset by the prospect of leaving home and moving to a boarding school two thousand miles away; she had asked for the change and she was ready for it, she was excited. Her excitement was tempered though by the knowledge that although they were already planning her new life, it wasn't actually a confirmed plan yet; her mother hadn't signed the paperwork and even trusting that she truly did want the best for her future, a little part of her was worried that her mother would be petty and say no.

Looking at each other as Kristin thanked them for their kindness toward her over the past few days, JR and Sue Ellen knew that the decision that had been confirmed just an hour ago was the right one. Kristin had the potential to grow into a lovely, charming, polite and successful young woman, free from the mental insecurities and silly rules her mother set for her, and with their help, she would achieve her potential. Nodding as he accepted her thanks, JR paused for a moment before speaking, "I've just spoken to your mother and she has agreed to sign the paperwork allowing you to go… on the condition that you follow not only the rules we discussed, but an additional set of rules she puts forward. Now, before you protest, she has told me the sorts of things that they entail and I happen to agree with her; if I had a daughter, I would probably insist she follow the same guidelines. The rules your mother explained to me essentially fall under the 'upholding the Ewing name' rules of behaviour and conduct that we've already discussed and being a proper young lady, I wouldn't expect you to be doing any of the things she insists you stay away from anyway. So, I have accepted her permission and assured her that her wishes will be upheld", not wanting to have to deal with Patricia any more than necessary and actually agreeing with her, he had listened to her, promised her that he would deal with the situation and then taken her words as a victory. He knew that Kristen understood that although she was freeing herself from Patricia's stronghold, she was still a minor and was still required to follow the rules he, Sue Ellen, the staff at her new school, her mother, or any other elder in her life set forward, and she had agreed to do so, he didn't expect an argument. He needed to make his position clear before they moved any further forward though; it was good business practice and good practice in personal relations too.

"She said yes? I can go?" smiling widely as she heard the most important part of JR's speech, Kristin was elated; she liked her friends and her school in Austin, but the opportunity to make more, new friends, participate in new activities, live 'alone', away from her mother, and generally reinvent herself as whoever she wanted to be, excited her. Jumping into the conversation, keen to assert her position of authority too, Sue Ellen spoke, "yes, mama said yes, but Kristin, we're serious, you must follow the rules, behave in an exemplary manner and act responsibly; there's a lot hinging on this opportunity and it won't do anyone any good for this to fail. I empathise with your position, as does JR, so we don't want to have to send you back to live with mama, but believe me, if we get word that you're not acting responsibly and respectfully, then all empathy, sympathy and generosity will disappear and you'll be on your own again. You're lucky that you're young, you have your whole life in front of you and it really is up to you to make the most of the opportunities available to you, so please, listen to us, follow the rules and have a good time, you'll be better off for it". Happy that her sister was happy, but also aware of the responsibility she and JR were taking on and a little nervous about her mother's reaction if anything did go wrong, Sue Ellen spoke honestly and was relieved when Kristin appeared to be listening and comprehending the seriousness of the situation. "Of course Sue Ellen", keeping her response short and sweet but silently adding that she wasn't stupid and wanted a good future for herself just as much as everyone else did, just without the pressure her mother was putting on her recently, she then smiled and thanked her sister and brother-in-law again. In a way, although she'd had to put up with a lot of not so nice things, she was grateful, because from everything described to her and the promises that were made to her provided that she behaved correctly, she foresaw a wonderful future for herself and she truly was excited. "Good", nodding, happy with her response and keen to get their meeting over and done with and his young sister-in-law out of his life again, JR responded in a brief manner and then explained what the plan for the next few weeks was, and after getting an agreement from Sue Ellen and Kristin, he then adjourned their meeting. The sooner he could get Kristin and Patricia out of his hair, the better; he wanted his happy, uninterrupted life with Sue Ellen back and he would do whatever it took to get it.

To be continued…