Reunion

Part 18

Bobby sent one of the ranch hands to get John Ross and Christopher, and bring them back home. The telephone was ringing nonstop. Miss Ellie and Sue Ellen sat next to each other on the couch, holding onto each other for strength, and support. Clayton had a couple of the hands pack rifles, and stand guard at the gates to Southfork. Teresa called the Braddock County Sheriff's office and requested officers be dispatched to the ranch, to keep unwanted visitors off of the property. The news reports about the accident slowly filtered in. The downed helicopter had not been found, but there were no survivors from the private plane. Sue Ellen wanted to scream. Miss Ellie didn't say a word. She sat on the couch and stared into space. Bobby felt helpless. He wanted to drive to the scene of the crash, and look for the Ewing helicopter himself. The news reporters on all of the television channels continued to repeat that the plane wreckage had no survivors, and that names would be released to the public, once the victim's families were notified. Lucy called the ranch from Atlanta. Clayton answered the phone. Lucy said, "Clayton, what's going on? I saw a news report from Braddock, the ranch appeared to be swarming with reporters." Clayton sighed, and said, "Lucy, I'm afraid I don't know a whole lot more than you do, right now. J.R. was in the Ewing helicopter, on his way to the Gulf. There had been a midair collision involving a helicopter, and a private plane. That's all we know, for now." Lucy asked, "Was anyone killed? Is J.R. all right?" Clayton replied, "Evidently, no one in the plane survived, but, the search and rescue teams haven't found the helicopter, yet." Lucy said, "Tell Grandma that I'm on my way home." Clayton heard the phone disconnect, and the sound of a dial tone, as he set the receiver on the table in the foyer.

John Ross and Christopher raced into the house, as the truck Clayton sent for them stopped in the driveway at the ranch. John Ross saw his Mamma sitting on the couch in the parlor, and ran to her side. Christopher asked his Daddy, "What's going on?" Why are there reporters at the gates? Why are some of the hands patrolling the gate?" John Ross saw his Mamma's face and started to worry. Sue Ellen pulled him into her arms and held him against her. John Ross quietly said, "What's wrong, Mamma? Where's Daddy?" Sue Ellen put her hand at the back of John Ross head and pulled his head onto her shoulder. She said, "We don't know yet, Sweetheart. We've been watching the news. There is a report that a helicopter headed for the Gulf collided with a private plane." John Ross asked, "Well, how does Daddy fit into this?" Sue Ellen inhaled, praying for strength, and said, "Your Daddy was in the Ewing helicopter on his way to the Gulf." John Ross started to cry. Sue Ellen held him to her, tighter than before. She closed her eyes as she held her son. She tried to rid herself of the images racing through her mind. She could never understand why people always assume the worst has happened in these situations. She recalled the kiss J.R. had given her that morning. She remembered how wonderful their lovemaking had been the night before. "Please, God," she silently said. "Please, let J.R. be alive, and unharmed."

Hank Patterson was slumped over the controls of the Ewing helicopter. He had managed to land the damaged chopper almost five miles away from where it had collided with the plane. Hank had flown in the Persian Gulf War a few years earlier. His combat training was the primary reason the Ewing's hired him as their pilot. J.R. opened his eyes, and looked around the cockpit of the helicopter. The impact from the landing had caused his seat belt to tighten, and knock the wind out of him. He tried to undo the seatbelt, but it was caught in the seat. He reached into his pocket for his pocketknife. He was dazed and disoriented. His shoulder felt as if it were on fire, and it was difficult for him to breathe. He looked over to the other side of the cockpit, and called out, "Hank? Hank, are you alright?" Hank was out cold. J.R. carefully slipped out of the seatbelt, and steadied himself against the seat to try and check on Hank. J.R. didn't want to move Hank. He was afraid that he might injure him if he moved him. He continued to try and wake him. Hank started to come around. He coughed and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Ewing. I didn't even see that plane 'til it was too late." J.R. said, "You surprised the hell out of me, Hank. Those were some incredible evasive maneuvers, you pulled off back there." J.R. continued, "Are you able to move?" Hank said, "Yep, I think so. What about you, sir?" J.R. said, "Aw hell, I'm just damn lucky you were in control back there." Hank and J.R. slowly climbed out of the cockpit. Hank looked around, trying to identify their location. J.R. stared at the helicopter. The propeller was bent and broken. The tail was completely gone, and all of the windows were shattered. It was a miracle that either of them had survived.

J.R. turned around when he heard the sound of sirens. He and Hank walked up the side of the ravine they had landed in. J.R. wanted to flag down the emergency vehicles and get some medical help for him, and Hank. They reached the side of the road and looked in the direction of the sirens. They were greeted with a view of billowing smoke rising up in the distance. J.R. shook his head from side to side, in disbelief. The search and rescue teams approached the two men. One of the EMT's asked J.R. what they were doing by the side of the road. J.R. flashed the EMT a disgusted look, and said, "Damn, boy, do you think we're out here sight-seein'? Our helicopter is the one that collided with that plane." The EMT's and Rescue personnel scrambled to see how badly the two men might be injured. The EMT's were extremely thorough in their examinations of the two survivors. Hank had a punctured lung, and a broken wrist. J.R. had a dislocated shoulder, and some broken ribs. The rescue personnel radioed into dispatch that they had found the downed helicopter. Dispatch radioed into the Sheriff's deputies at the ranch, to let him know that they had found the helicopter, and that its occupants were alive. They were injured, but they were alive. Hank exhaled, he was proud of his reactions, and his response time. J.R. patted Hank on the back, and said, "I'm indebted to ya, Hank. That was some fancy flyin'." Hank smiled, and shook J.R.'s outstretched hand. The EMT's helped the two men into the back of the Paramedic Rescue van. They would take them to Dallas Memorial Hospital, for a more thorough treatment, and a full physical examination.

The Sheriff walked into the house and said, "I just got a call from dispatch. Mr. Ewing and the pilot are alive. They've been injured, but they survived the crash. The entire family let out a sigh of relief. John Ross hugged his Mamma, then he and Christopher started jumping up and down. Sue Ellen hugged Miss Ellie and Clayton. She walked over to where Bobby was standing, and grasped his hands in hers. She said, "Thank you, Bobby. It meant a lot to me, knowin' that you cared." Bobby touched Sue Ellen's cheek and opened his arms to her. She hugged him as tears of joy trickled down her cheeks. Teresa heard the doorbell ring. She walked over to the door and opened it. It was Lucy Ewing-Cooper. Gary and Valene Ewing's daughter. Lucy grew up at Southfork. Jock Ewing and Miss Ellie raised her. She married, divorced, then remarried Mitch Cooper. Mitch was a plastic-surgeon at the Burn Unit at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Lucy seemed surprised to find Sue Ellen was at Southfork. She and Sue Ellen had become rather close before Sue Ellen left Dallas to go to London with Don Lockwood. Lucy ran over to Sue Ellen and hugged her. She asked, "What in the world happened? How's J.R.? Has there been any news?" Sue Ellen told Lucy that the Search and Rescue teams had found J.R., and Hank Patterson, the helicopter pilot. They had been injured in the wreck, but they were alive. Lucy and J.R. never did get along, but even Lucy didn't wish J.R. any permanent damage. Sue Ellen filled Lucy in on the details of her reconciliation with J.R. Lucy and Sue Ellen had spoken over the phone about Sue Ellen's loveless marriage to Don. Lucy had encouraged Sue Ellen to end the relationship. Lucy questioned the sanity of Sue Ellen remarrying J.R., but Lucy had also been privy to J.R.'s depression after Sue Ellen went to London. She agreed that J.R. and Sue Ellen were better off together, than they ever would be apart.

The Sheriff's deputies offered to escort the Ewing family to the hospital. Miss Ellie and Clayton asked Lucy if she would stay at the ranch with John Ross and Christopher. Lucy agreed. She hadn't seen her cousins in a while and it would give them a chance to get reacquainted. Sue Ellen and Bobby rode in one of the Sheriff's cars, while Miss Ellie and Clayton rode in the other. Bobby glanced at Sue Ellen, he had underestimated her. He said, "Sue Ellen. I owe you an apology." She turned her head to look at him, and asked, "What for? You were there for me today, when I needed a pillar of strength. You don't owe me anything, Bobby." She took Bobby's hand and covered it with her hands. Bobby smiled at her, as the Sheriff's car drove away. He wondered if J.R. knew how much Sue Ellen really loved him? They finally arrived at Dallas Memorial Hospital. Sue Ellen walked into the hospital, ahead of the rest of the family. She raced to the reception desk and explained who she was, and why she was there. The receptionist checked the medical records, and told Sue Ellen that she would find J.R. in the Emergency Room. Hank Patterson was in the ER, as well. Sue Ellen ran down the hall, and past the Nurse's station. She stopped when she saw J.R. She walked into the cubicle, as tears streamed down her cheeks. J.R. grinned when he saw her. He wanted to pull her up on the Gurney with him, but his shoulder and ribs wouldn't allow it. He reached out to her with his uninjured arm, and pulled her toward him. She held her hands in the air, unsure of where she could touch him. J.R. said, "My shoulder is dislocated, and a couple of my ribs are broken, but my lips could use some attention, Sugar." Sue Ellen smiled through her tears, and kissed him. She kissed every inch of his face. Miss Ellie and Clayton looked in on Hank. When they were satisfied that he would be fine, they walked over to see J.R. He had his arm around Sue Ellen's shoulders, kissing her. She flushed with embarrassment as Clayton cleared his throat. Miss Ellie saw the sling on J.R.'s arm, and hugged him gently. She said, "We were so worried, J.R. I can't tell you what a relief it is to know that you're alive, and that you'll recover." J.R. returned his Mamma's hug as well as his injuries would permit. Clayton patted J.R.'s uninjured shoulder and said, "I truly am glad to know that you're alright, J.R." Miss Ellie and Clayton walked out of J.R.'s room to visit with Hank. Bobby peered around the corner, and asked, "May I come in?" J.R. looked at his brother. Sue Ellen gave J.R. a look that begged him to be nice to Bobby. J.R. could not resist the intense look in her eyes. He said, "Come on in, Bob. Give me a hug." Bobby embraced his brother for the first time in years. J.R. told Bobby and Sue Ellen about the accident, and how he and Hank met the Search and Rescue teams on side of the highway. Sue Ellen walked out of the room J.R. was in, and into Hank's room. She told Hank how grateful she was to him, and his skills as a pilot. She kissed his cheek and told him not to worry about a thing. As far as Sue Ellen was concerned, Hank was family.

The Emergency Room physician kept Hank at the hospital overnight, for observation. They released J.R. but insisted that he return if his pain persists, or if there is any change in his condition. Sue Ellen walked out of the hospital, next to the wheelchair J.R. was riding in. The nurse requested that J.R. be wheeled out of the hospital, instead of walking out on his own two feet. The Sheriff drove Sue Ellen and J.R. back to Southfork. Miss Ellie and Clayton told Hank that they would be back to visit him in the morning. Clayton said, "We're grateful to you, Hank. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call the ranch." Hank thanked Clayton, and wished him and Miss Ellie a 'goodnight.' Miss Ellie and Clayton rode back to Southfork in the other Sheriff's vehicle. Bobby visited with Hank before leaving the hospital to go back home. He told Hank how thankful he was that Hank and J.R. had survived. Hank told Bobby that the collision with the airplane had happened so suddenly, there was hardly any time for him to react. Hank was glad that his military training had provided him with the necessary skills to enable him maneuver the helicopter to safety. Bobby told Hank that he would be back in the morning to check up on him. He told Hank to get some sleep, because he had earned it. Bobby left the Emergency Room, and walked out of the hospital to get into his car, and drive back to the ranch.

Lucy made sure that John Ross and Christopher knew that J.R. and Hank would recover, before she insisted that they go to bed. She was waiting in the parlor when J.R. and Sue Ellen walked into the house. Lucy greeted them by the door to the parlor. J.R. grinned at Lucy, then held out his arm, inviting a hug from his niece. Lucy rolled her eyes at J.R., then walked over to him, and gave him a hug. Sue Ellen said, "Thank you for stayin' with the boys, Lucy." Lucy asked, "What happened, J.R.?" J.R. said, "I'm pretty tired, Lucy. Would you mind if we talked about this in the morning?" Lucy told J.R. that she could wait until morning to hear all of the details. Sue Ellen hugged Lucy, and said, "I'm glad you're back home, Lucy. Even if it did take a crisis to get you here." Lucy waved at J.R. and Sue Ellen as Sue Ellen helped J.R. upstairs. Miss Ellie and Clayton arrived home shortly after Sue Ellen and J.R. had gone upstairs. Miss Ellie and Clayton told Lucy exactly what Hank had relayed to them about the accident. Lucy was amazed that Hank and J.R. were not more seriously injured. Bobby pulled into the driveway, parked his car, and walked into the house. He and Lucy sat in the parlor, after the rest of the family had retired for the evening. Lucy asked Bobby how things had been going for him at Ewing Oil. Bobby asked, "You don't really want to hear about the oil business, do you, Lucy?" She laughed and said, "Not really, but I would like to know how my Uncle Bobby is doing?"

Sue Ellen helped J.R. remove his shirt. She cringed when she saw how bruised and beaten his ribs appeared. She helped him change into silk pajamas, and re-wrapped the bandages around his ribs, and his shoulder. J.R. sat on the bed, while Sue Ellen lifted his legs and helped him get situated, and comfortable. Sue Ellen said, "I'll be right back, I'm just going to hurry and get ready for bed." Sue Ellen washed her face, brushed her teeth, and walked out of the bathroom. She was wearing a pastel pink nightgown with a plunging neckline, and a thigh-high slit on one side. J.R. beamed at her when he saw her. He said, "I am one lucky man, Sue Ellen." Sue Ellen lowered her eyelashes at his compliment. She turned off the lamp on the night stand, rolled over, and put her arm above J.R's head. She gently kissed his cheek, and said, "I was so worried about you, Darlin'. I heard the news story on the car radio shortly after you left." She told him about the State Trooper, and how helpful he had been to her. She continued, "I'm the lucky one, J.R. I don't think I could bear the thought of losin' you now." J.R. put his uninjured arm around her neck and pulled her head down to his shoulder. She leaned her head against his neck and gently rubbed his chest until she heard the sound of his even breathing. When she was sure that J.R. had fallen asleep, she closed her eyes. It had been a difficult day for everyone.