Dallas, Texas

"JR?" speaking his name softly as they left their Friday appointment with Doctor Williams, the second one since JR had come clean with her about the morality clause and since the tension within the Ewing family had increased dramatically, Sue Ellen looked at her husband to gauge his mood and then continued to speak. "I'm pleased that we've had an opportunity to discuss things with Doctor Williams and I'm pleased that despite the general antagonism between the two of us, we're still able to talk calmly and put our differences aside when it comes to time spent with John Ross". Giving him a small smile, she then introduced the real reason she had begun speaking, "in light of everything that's been happening though, I'd really like to get away from Southfork for a few days. I know your daddy seems to be softening and rethinking his actions and position, but considering things and actually making changes are two different things and honestly, I'm still angry with him, and you, but more so him right now. I still find it abhorrent how he spoke to me a few days ago. Because of that, I'm not sure I can take a whole weekend at Southfork right now, the atmosphere is hardly friendly and loving. I was thinking of heading out of town, somewhere quiet, where I can think for myself for a little bit…" pausing as she gathered the courage to finish her sentence, she looked him in the eye as she started to speak again, remaining strong as she did so, "…and I want to take John Ross with me. I need to take a break from the hostile environment at Southfork."

"Now, before you start yelling, I want to make my position clear and explain why I'm telling you right now instead of just leaving like I did last time; this is different to the last time, this is not me as a wife leaving her husband, it's me as a person needing a break. I want to take John Ross with me because he's my son, I love him, I want to care for him, he should be with me as his mother and experiences away from Southfork are good for him. If you wish, you may join us, but I want to make it clear that that offer is nothing more than fairness toward you as John Ross' father. I am still hurt and confused about our marriage and I don't intend to just forget everything and resume our relationship as if the lies, deceit and actions that caused my trust to be severely damaged never happened. As I said earlier though, I'm pleased with our progress with Doctor Williams, so I don't believe that our relationship will never improve, I'm just saying that I'm not ready for any serious developments right now, so if you do choose to come away with us, please remember that". Leaving her words hanging for a moment, allowing JR to process them, she wondered how he was going to take it and hoped that he reacted well rather than badly. Despite their marital issues, she couldn't deny that he was a good father and that he was taking their sessions with Doctor Williams seriously, so she respected him enough to take his feelings into consideration when making decisions, though his feelings didn't stop her from actually making the decisions. She intended to leave Southfork for a few days and she intended to take John Ross with her, but there was no reason for her to do so in a hostile manner, she didn't want to introduce any more drama into her life than already existed.

Going through a number of emotions as Sue Ellen spoke, first feeling happy at her acknowledgement of their progress and their dedication to their son, then feeling hurt that she wanted to take some time away, then angry at the mention of taking John Ross with her, JR eventually found himself feeling more optimistic and calm as she finished speaking. He wasn't stupid, he knew that regaining her trust and rebuilding her want to be his wife wasn't going to be fast or easy. The fact that they were seeking professional help for their problems, she was being so level-headed about their relationship and was communicating her need for time and space to him, seemed like a good start though. He couldn't argue with her comments about the atmosphere at Southfork, the way his father had treated her or her overall need for space, because in general, he understood and agreed, and with her explicit clarification that she was not leaving him and invitation for him to join her and John Ross, he saw no reason to make a fuss. It was clear that she was sick of dealing with the constant problems that presented themselves in her life, and honestly, so was he, so if a quiet weekend away was what she wanted, then that's what he would give her. "I'd like that. Did you have a location in mind?"

Optimistically, he hoped that perhaps their time away together, away from the distractions of Dallas, would give them time to think and talk, openly and more clearly, but even if it didn't and it was exactly as she had told him it would be, that was ok too. He enjoyed being a father and he had no doubt that Sue Ellen was completely content in her role as a mother, so to get to spend quality time together with John Ross was worth it in itself. "No, I hadn't really thought that far ahead, I was just going to see where a travel agent recommended, the woman I used when booking our Aspen trip was very informative", thinking back on their trip to Aspen, she felt a little sad, they'd been so happy on that trip, but somehow, just a few months later, everything had changed. Smiling to himself as he too remembered the their weekend in Aspen, JR then thought about the other trips they'd taken as a couple, and soon thought of the perfect location for their family weekend, "how about the lake house?" Remembering how much she'd enjoyed the lake house and knowing that it matched what she was looking for, he was pleased when she leaned up and kissed his cheek, "perfect. Thank you JR". Their relationship was nowhere near perfect or fixed, but cordiality was so much more pleasant than aggression or the pain of losing her, so whatever he could do to at least maintain that feeling, he would, and a trip to the lake house was the perfect start.

To be continued…