Dallas, Texas

Looking around the table, from John Ross to JR, to Miss Ellie, to Bobby, to Lucy, to Jack, and finally to Jock, Sue Ellen was well aware of the change in mood amongst the family; things felt heavy and considering the context, that wasn't a good thing, family dinner was no time for heavy discussions. From JR's firm hold on her under the table, she knew his confidence was growing too and as much as she loved her husband and wanted him to 'win' whatever battle he was under the impression he was fighting, she didn't want it to come at the expense of the progress they were making with the family. She had been pleasantly surprised by how the evening had progressed so far and she didn't want to see all of that ruined because JR stepped too far over the line, even if he was justified in saying or doing what he wished.

Deciding to take things into her own hands, she held her attention on Jock as she scanned around the table, and meeting his eye, she spoke, responding to his comment about JR being himself, but also giving him a look that indicated now would be a good time to make public what they had been speaking privately about. "Mm, what would this family be without JR?" Holding eye contact with her father-in-law, she hoped his brief friendliness a short time ago hadn't been a complete fluke and the stubbornness he and JR shared wouldn't hold him back from taking her earlier suggestion. In a jealousy-motivated turn of events, JR had made plans to visit Southfork the next day, without her even having to suggest it, so half of what she'd encouraged Jock to say earlier had already been said, however, in an ideal world there was still something Jock could say to make the situation one that wasn't purely jealousy-motivated. Unfortunately, Jock didn't seem to want to take her hint, but since she had said her response loud enough for everyone to hear, Lucy did. "I can think of a few things; quiet, happy, together…" Turning her head as soon as she heard her niece speaking, her encouraging, challenging facial expression changed to one of anger and annoyance, she didn't know what was wrong with Lucy this evening but she knew she was nearing the end of her tether when it came to tolerating her attitude and negative comments.

"Lucy!" turning her attention again, this time to her mother-in-law, Sue Ellen felt a small amount of relief as it became clear she wasn't the only one unimpressed with Lucy's comments; Miss Ellie loved her granddaughter, but love didn't mean she liked or even tolerated everything she did. Apparently Jock felt the same way too, because before Miss Ellie had time to continue speaking, or Lucy had time to answer back, Jock interjected with his own thoughts, finally saying something that could be interpreted as at least somewhat defensive of JR. "Yes young lady, that's enough; any more of this behaviour and I won't hesitate to put you over my knee. Now, you to apologise to JR and then I don't want to hear you speaking out of turn again". Glancing over at Lucy again and seeing her face pale, she knew the threat of spanking was what had really made her listen and she wondered if perhaps she had threatened the same thing earlier they could've avoided the whole discussion they were having now. Realistically though, that wasn't the type of relationship she and Lucy had, nor one she really wanted to have, she wasn't her mother and disciplining her to that extent seemed like it would cross a number of lines.

"I'm sorry JR, it was meant to be a joke…" hearing the dejected tone Lucy used as she apologised to JR, Sue Ellen actually felt a bit bad for her niece, usually her sarcasm was tolerated and oftentimes found amusing, so to be told off for her misbehaviour now was likely a shock and a bit humiliating. She couldn't feel too terrible for Lucy though, she had already been warned for goading JR once during their meal, yet she had done it again and had overstepped the line. Sue Ellen also couldn't quite bring herself to feel too terrible for Lucy too because she had so much love and empathy for JR and she knew that although he didn't usually take anything their pre-teen niece had to say all that seriously, he still didn't want to be reminded of his differences in the family. It was already enough to know he was neither Jock nor Miss Ellie's favourite son, but to also be reminded that everyone but him liked ranch life, and that a life without him was able to be visualised in positive way, that was a bit much. Of course, very rarely did JR say or show that he actually felt in any way inadequate or left out, even now he looked serious but not upset, and his possessive hold on her was just as strong as ever, but she knew, she knew deep down inside him, he heard and felt everything, even if he'd never admit it.

"Well, it wasn't very funny. If it weren't for me you wouldn't have Sue Ellen and John Ross, you probably wouldn't have the other things you think you would either; believe it or not, I am not the one to blame for everything that goes on in this family". Listening to JR's response, Sue Ellen felt as if things were once again heading in a direction that was counterproductive to facilitating positive relationships, especially the one she as trying to encourage between JR and Jock. With that in mind, she was thrilled when Teresa and Raoul appeared with coffee and dessert; their presence was enough to take the attention away from the increasingly serious and tense conversation, at least for a short period. She would have to speak to Lucy later, that was, if Jock or Miss Ellie didn't get to her first, but for now she didn't worry that there would be further negativity from her; Lucy had been silenced by the threat of her grandfather spanking her, and JR's clear lack of amusement and tolerance of her opinion.

As with any meal at Southfork though, it didn't pay to be too relaxed. Getting a group of people like the Ewings all together in one room had the potential to be a disaster and although they had managed to avoid a complete family meltdown so far, the evening wasn't over yet, so there was still time for everything to change.

To be continued…