EPISODE 171 - Crisis!

 The loud sound of a siren can be heard as an ambulance races down a street in Braddock, headed toward Braddock Medical Center.  Inside that ambulance, Alex is still unconscious as a frightened Bridget is sitting beside him, holding his hand as a paramedic checks the young man's vitals.  Holding Alex's hand up to her face, Bridget lowers her head and begins to pray silently.

Braddock High School....

 Back at Braddock High, as the prom continues, Shawn and Ashley walk over to a refreshment table and Shawn fixes them both a glass of punch.

 

"Thanks,"  Ashley says.  

 

"You wanna go to the hospital?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Would you mind?  I'm sorry, I don't mean to ruin your prom."

 

"Hey, the guy's my best friend, I"m worried about him, too," Shawn says.  "Come on, let's go."

 

"Okay.  I need to call John Ross.  I doubt Bridget would think to, she was so upset when she left with Alex."

 

"Okay, we can do that in the car.  Let's go,"  Shawn says, the two teens rushing out of the prom.

Southfork....

 Bobby walks into the den at Southfork where Ann is sitting alone reading a book.  "Well, Jacob and Michael are watching a movie up in their room, and getting along for a change."

 

"Well, that's good.  It's a step in the right direction, anyway."

 

Bobby takes a seat on the sofa beside his wife.  "I had a little talk with Michael about teasin' Jacob so much, so, hopefully he listened and those two boys will start gettin' along better."

 

"I hope so."

 

"Ya look tired,"  Bobby says.

 

"I am, a little."

 

"How about you and I go upstairs and get in bed, and find a good movie or show to watch?"

 

Ann smiles.  "That sounds real nice."

 

"Let's go, then."

 

As Bobby and Ann get up from the sofa, John Ross and Krystina enter the foyer.  The two couples meet in the foyer.  

 

"You two are home early,"  Bobby says.  "I thought you were goin' to a movie after dinner."

 

"I didn't really wanna leave Ellie too long,"  says Krystina.  "She was kinda fussy today."

 

"I told her the baby was in good hands, but you know how new mothers are,"  says John Ross.

 

"I checked on her and Little John just a while ago,"  Ann says.  "They're both sound asleep."

 

"Good."

 

"Where you two off to?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Goin' up to bed,"  replies Bobby.

 

John Ross looks at his watch.  "At 9:15 on a Saturday night?"

 

"John Ross, you'll understand one day when ya get old,"  Bobby says

 

Just then, John Ross's cell phone rings.  He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it, then answers the call.  

 "Hello? What?  Ashley, darlin', slow down.  What's goin' on?"  John Ross listens for a few seconds as Ashley tells him about Alex.  "Oh my God.  Braddock Hospital?  I'm on my way," he says, then ends the call.

 

"John Ross, what's wrong?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Alex.  He collapsed at prom.  They're rushin' him to the hospital in an ambulance right now."

 

"Oh my God."

 

"I have to go."

 

"Ann, would you please watch the kids?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Of course, you two go on ahead."

 

"Thank you,"  Krystina says.

 

"Call us and let us know what's goin' on, "  Bobby says as John Ross and Krystina rush out.  Bobby and Ann exchange worried looks, then embrace.

  John Ross and Krystina rush into the emergency department at Braddock Medical Center and approach the nurse's station.  "Excuse me,"  John Ross says.  "My son, Alex Walton, was brought in here a little while ago, and....."

 

"Mr. and Mrs. Ewing,"  comes Bridget's voice from behind them.   

 

John Ross and Krystina turn around to Bridget, Shawn, and Ashley.  "How is he?"  John Ross asks.  "What the hell happened?"

 

"We don't know,"  Bridget replies.  "He seemed fine. We were dancing, and then he got one of those headaches.  We went to sit down, and he got dizzy."

 

"Ashley and I went over to help him, and he just collapsed,"  Shawn says.

 

"He had another headache?  Damn.  I kept askin' him about those headaches, and he kept tellin' me they weren't that bad.  I just don't understand it.  He went to the eye doctor and he said Alex's eyes were fine."

 

"Could the headaches be caused from the accident on New Year's Eve?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Gotta be,"  John Ross replies.  "Dear God......what the hell is wrong with my son?"

 

Krystina places her hand on John Ross's back as he fights back tears, the four teenagers looking on, realizing how much Alex's father loves him.

Southfork....

 Ann is in the nursery at Southfork looking in on Little John and Ellie, both children sleeping soundly.  She smiles as she gently covers Ellie, then walks out of the nursery.  As she goes into the hallway, her cell phone rings.  Taking the phone from her pocket, she sees that Emma is calling her and immediately answers.  "Emma?"

 

"We have a problem,"  Emma says.

 

"What is it?  You sound upset."

Falcon Crest, Tuscany Valley, California....

"Upset?  Yeah, you could say that,"  says Emma.

 

"What happened?"

 

"You know those strange little notes you told me you've been getting, probably from Katherine?  Well one arrived for me tonight."

 

"Oh my Lord,"  Ann says.

 

"That crazy bitch wasn't satisfied just harrassing you, now she's coming after me.  And not only did she send the note, but she also sent a photo of Logan, a photo of Kevin, and one of Lucas.  We have to make sure that woman is caught and sent to prison."

Southfork....

"Emma, the LAST thing we need is for Katherine Wentworth to be within five hundred miles of Dallas,"  Ann says.  "Unless you want this secret to come out.  Emma, the best thing we can do now is to tell the truth.  BEFORE this blows up in both our faces.  Look, if it's the money Kevin left to Logan you're worried about, I'll make sure the baby is well provided for."

 

"And how are you gonna do that if Bobby divorces you for lying to him, AGAIN?"

 

"Bobby will forgive me, if we tell the truth now."

Falcon Crest....

"If you really believe that, Mother, then you're deluding yourself,"  Emma says.  "Remember how angrily Bobby reacted when you didn't tell him that you had a daughter?  Or when he found out that you had slept with Cliff Barnes, YEARS before you ever met him?  You know as well as I do that Bobby is not very reasonable when it comes to people lying to him.  Do you really think he's going to be any more forgiving that you kept the fact that he has another grandson from him for more than a year?  No, he won't.  And then there's Lucas to consider.  Mom, Lucas could sue me for custody and take my baby away from me, just the way John Ross took his son away from Elena, and I won't let that happen.  So no, it's NOT about the damned money or Kevin's half of Falcon Crest at all.  It's about your marriage surviving, and me not having my son ripped away from me by his biological father."

Southfork....

"God, what a mess this is,"  Ann says in tears.  "This is what happens with lies.  We have to keep compounding the lie with more lies."

Falcon Crest....

"I know,"  Emma says.  "I am SO sorry that I dragged you into this, but we can't cave in now.  That's exactly what Katherine wants.  All we have to do is keep our cool, and eventually, she'll be caught.  If she says anything about Logan not being Kevin's son, then we deny it, and no one will believe a psychopathic killer over the two of us.  Katherine will be put away for good and out of our hair."

 

As Emma is talking, she is unaware that her bedroom door isn's quite closed all the way, and Elena is walking by.  Hearing Emma talking to someone, a curious Elena stops and listens.  

 

"We just have to keep our cool, that's all,"  Emma continues.  "We can't risk the truth about Logan's paternity coming out now.  If if does, then that'll mean the end of your marriage to Bobby, and the Ewings could take my child away from me the way they did Elena's.  Please, Mom.  Promise me you won't say anything."

 

On the other end of the line, Ann hesitates for a moment.  "Alright, I won't.  But Emma, you call me if you get any more of those notes in the mail."

 

"Don't worry, I will,"  Emma says.  "I'll talk to you later.  Bye."  Emma ends the call and tosses her phone onto the bed.

 

Standing outside of Emma's door, Elena is stunned by what she has just heard.......so, Kevin Channing wasn't the father of Emma's baby, and the true father is one of the Ewings!  The only thing going through her mind is how unfair it is that her child was taken away from her by the Ewings after her lies about Little John were exposed, but Emma is getting to keep her baby due to her lies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Braddock Medical Center....

 A female doctor walks into the waiting room where John Ross, Krystina, Ashley, Bridget, and Shawn are.  "Mr. Ewing," the doctor says.

 

"Yes.  My son, how is he?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I'm afraid that we're going to have to send Alex to Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas."

 

"Why?  How bad is this?"  Krystina asks.

 

"An X-ray shows that Alex has a lesion on his brain."

 

"A lesion?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes.  Apparently, the lesion has been there for a while.  At least a couple of months, probably the result of the injury he sustained in that car accident on New Year's Eve.  The lesion has begun to bleed."

 

"Now wait just a damned minute here,"  says an angry John Ross.  "You're tellin' me that my son has had this.... ......thing on his brain for months, even when he was in this damned hospital after that car accident, and you people couldn't find it then?  You missed it, is that what you're tellin' me?"

 

"Yes, I'm afraid so, Mr. Ewing."

 

"What in the HELL kind of a hospital is this, anyway?"

 

"John Ross, calm down,"  Krystina tells her husband.  "Doctor, what can be done about this?"

 

"Alex needs surgery......immediate surgery.  We don't have the available equipment or a neurosurgeon on staff here, so, we have to transport Alex to THP in Dallas as quickly as possible, or, this lesion could result in an aneurysm that could rupture."

 

John Ross looks at the doctor and fights to hold back tears.  "You're tellin' me that my son could die from this?  Is that what you're sayin'?"

 

"Yes, Mr. Ewing.  I hate to be this blunt, but yes, Alex could die if this isn't corrected in the next few hours.  We have to have your permission to transport your son to Dallas and for the surgery, and we need it NOW.  Alex has no time to spare."

 

John Ross remains silent for a few seconds, almost as if in shock by the news.  

 

"John Ross, the doctor needs an answer!"  Krystina says.

 

"Yes.  Do it.  Send my son to Dallas for this surgery.  And I can promise you this......if my son dies because of this hospital's negligence, I'll put this place outta business and make sure no one who works here can ever find another job in the state of Texas so you'd best pray real hard that he makes it through this."

 

The intimidated doctor nods.  "I'll get the forms for you to sign," she says, then walks away.

 

John Ross walks over to a wall and angrily punches it.  Krystina walks over to him and puts her arms around him from behind.  Bridget breaks down in tears, while a worried Shawn and Ashley exchange looks, each of them fearful for Alex.

A short time later....

 Siren blaring and lights flashing, an ambulance speeds down the highway from Braddock to Dallas a short time later, John Ross, Krystina, Shawn, Ashley, and Bridget following behind.  Soon, the ambulance arrives at its 

destination at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.  Two paramedics quickly emerge and open the back door of the ambulance, taking Alex out.  

They wheel him into the emergency department entrance on a stretcher.  A doctor and nurse rush out to meet them.  "Is this the transfer from Braddock?"  The doctor asks.

 

"Yes it is."

 

"Okay get him into unit one,"  he tells the paramedics.  "Nurse, let's get an MRI done, stat, and find out exactly where that lesion is so we can get him into surgery."

 

 

Later....

John Ross, Krystina, Shawn, Ashley, and Bridget are in a waiting room, John Ross pacing restlessly around the room, when Bridget's grandmother, Donna Love, walks in.  "Bridget," she says.

 

"Grandmother," the girl says in tears as she runs to Donna, embracing her.  

 

"Darling, what in the world happened?"  Donna asks.

 

"It's Alex.  He collapsed at prom.  The doctor said he has something on his brain.  Something caused from his injury in the car accident.  They have to operate, and they're doing an MRI.  Grandmother, I'm so scared."

 

"Shhhh, it's going to be alright, darling,"  Donna says, holding her granddaughter close. 

 

"I need to call my parents,"  Ashley says.

 

"You want me to walk outside with you?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Yeah," she replies.  As the two are about to leave, a doctor walks into the room.  

 

"Are you the family of Alexander Walton?"  The doctor asks.

 

"Yes.  I'm John Ross Ewing, Alex's father.  What's my son's condition?"

 

"Alex's condition is serious, Mr. Ewing,"  the doctor replies.  "The MRI shows that the lesion is located on the cerebellum, at the back of the brain.  Alex has had an injury to that area of the brain recently, hasn't he?"

 

"Yeah, he was in a car accident on New Year's Eve,"  John Ross replies.  "The doctor in Braddock, he, Alex, he had bleedin' on the brain and they operated to relieve the pressure or somethin'."

 

"Yes,"  the doctor says.  "I'm 99% certain that this lesion was caused by traumatic brain injury, and often these things can go undetected for a while unless tests are run with the most advanced medical equipment.  Alex is being prepped for surgery right now.  Dr. Nelson will be performing the surgery.  He's the best neurosurgeon we have on staff here, and I'll be assisting.  I'll let you all know something as soon as I can."

 

"Doctor........is Alex going to be okay?"  Bridget asks.

 

"I can't answer that, young lady.  But we're going to do everything we can for him.  Now, look, there's no reason for all of you to wait here.  The surgery will take a few hours, and there's nothing you can do here.  Mr. Ewing, and I'm sure that you and Mrs. Ewing will want to stay, but the rest of you should go on home and get some rest.  I have to go."

 

"Bridget, he's right,"  Donna Love says.  "There's nothing we can do here.  Come on, I'll take you home."

 

"No,"  Bridget says.  "I'm not leaving this hospital until I know that Alex is gonna be okay."

 

Krystina puts her arms around John Ross and the two embrace.

Later....

 More than three hours have passed since Alex was taken into surgery.  John Ross, Krystina, Bridget, Ashley, Shawn, and Donna Love have now been joined by Sue Ellen, Catlin, James and Jimmy.  As John Ross paces anxiously around the room, the others are seated, and silent.  Frustrated with waiting, Ashley gets up and walks over to a table, where she pours herself a cup of coffee.  Shawn stands to his feet and walks over to her.  "You okay?"  He asks.

 

"It's just this waiting.  I was never very patient when it comes to waiting.  Shawn, there's really no point in you waiting around here all night, so, why don't you go on home and get some sleep?  I'll call you as soon they let us know anything." 

 

"Nothing doing,"  Shawn says.  "Alex is my best friend.  I love the guy like a brother, and I'm not leavin' until I know he's out of surgery.  I would like to get out of here for a little while, though.  You wanna step outside and get some fresh air?"

 

"I'd love it.  I always hated the smell of hospitals."

 

"Yeah, me, too."

 

Ashley walks over to James.  "Daddy, Shawn and I are going for a little walk to get some fresh air."

 

"Okay, baby."

 

"We'll be back soon,"  Shawn says, he and Ashley leaving.  

 

John Ross walks to the window and looks out at the darkness.  James stands and goes over to his brother.  "He's gonna be alright, John Ross,"  he says.  "You just have to believe that."

 

"I feel like this is all my fault,"  John Ross says.

 

"Now how do ya figure that?"  James asks.

 

"I knew he'd been havin' those headaches for at least a couple months.  I should've made him go see a doctor, have some tests or somethin'."

 

"John Ross, there's no way you coulda known somethin' like this was gonna happen."

 

"He kept tellin' me the headaches weren't that bad, or that he wasn't havin' 'em as often.  I'm that boy's father, I shoulda known."

 

"John Ross, let me tell you somethin' about being a father,"  James says.  "You can watch your kids, take care of them as best you can.  Make sure they have everything they need and most of what they want.  When they're little you can doctor and patch up the scrapes they get from falling off their bikes or playin' outside.  You can give 'em advice on girls or life in general.  As a father, you can be there for them when they need you, or when they're hurting.  But you can't be perfect, John Ross.  No parent can.  Sometimes, things just happen that you can't prepare for.  You could no more prevent this from happening to Alex than any parent could prevent a child from falling and getting hurt on a playground.  If Alex didn't tell you how bad his headaches were, then there's no way you could've known somethin' like this would happen.  So stop blaming yourself."

 

John Ross nods.  "I guess you're right.  Just hurts like hell, feelin' so damned helpless."

 

Meanwhile, outside, Ashley and Shawn are walking down the sidewalk in front of the hospital, taking in the night air.  "Your Dad seems real nice,"  Shawn says.

 

"He's the best,"  says Ashley.  

 

"You're lucky.  Seeing you with your Dad, and seeing how much John Ross loves Alex, makes me realize how much I missed out on."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"My own father, I never had much of a relationship with him,"  Shawn replies.  "He spent most of my childhood in prison or absent from my life.  When he did show up, he was usually drunk or on drugs.  He and my Mama would start fighting and he'd either leave again, or get locked back up."

 

"I'm sorry, that must've been rough,"  says Ashley.

 

"It was. My Mom was all I had.  And just as my Dad had finally started to get his life together and be a real father to me, I lost him."

 

"Shawn, I'm so sorry,"  Ashley says as the two stop walking.  "What happened?"

 

"He was killed, in an explosion.  It happened two years ago this summer.  Bad thing is, the guy who killed him is still out there somewhere, on the loose.  Still wreaking havoc on peoples' lives.  Sometimes I think about what I would do if I ever came face to face with the guy who killed my father."

 

"What do you think you would do?"  Ashley asks.

 

Shawn turns his head and looks off into the distance for a few seconds, then looks at Ashley again.  "Honestly........ I think I'd kill him.  I really do," he replies, very matter-of-factly.  

Meanwhile....

 

 

Doctors continue to work in surgery to remove the lesion from Alex's brain.  "There it is,"  the surgeon says.  "Let's be extra careful around this region right here. We don't wanna do any damage to the surrounding tissue."

 

"Blood pressure is holding steady, Dr. Nelson,"  says the attending nurse.

 

"Okay, let's get the rest of this lesion removed and get out of this kid's head,"  Nelson says.  

Later....

 Sitting on a sofa in the waiting room, a restless and anxious John Ross looks at his watch, then at the clock on the wall in the waiting room.  Almost 5 a.m.  Unable to sit still any longer, he gets up and walks to the window and looks out.  Krystina gets up and walks over to him.  "You want some more coffee?"  She asks.

 

"No, I've had enough coffee tonight that'm sloshin' when I walk,"  replies John Ross.  "All I want right now is to hear some good news about Alex."

 

Sue Ellen gets up from her seat and walks over to them.  "John Ross, can I get you anything?  I think I'm gonna go and get a soda or something."

 

"No, I'm fine, Mama."

 

"Has anyone tried to reach Charlie in New York?"

 

"I called but it went straight to voicemail,"  Krystina says.  "I left a message for her to call John Ross or me."

 

"Good,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

Two doctors walk into the waiting room, including the doctor who had spoken to John Ross earlier.  Seeing them, John Ross rushes over to the two men, followed by Krystina, Sue Ellen, and the others.  "How's my son?"  John Ross asks.

 

Alex came through the surgery very well,"  Dr. Nelson, the surgeon, says.  "The lesion was located in the back of the brain, and we believe was caused by trauma to that area of the brain.  We managed to remove the lesion by laser ablation surgery, which is a procedure we use instead of traditional surgery in which the skull is actually opened up.  It's less invasive and has a faster recovery rate."

 

"Well is he gonna be alright?"  John Ross asks, impatiently.

 

"Mr. Ewing, it's still too early to tell.  We removed all of the lesion, and a small amount of surrounding tissues.  I believe that Alex has a good chance of making a full recovery."

 

"You said you removed some tissue?"  Bridget asks.  "You mean......a piece of his brain?"

 

"Only a small portion, young lady."

 

"Will that have any effect on Alex?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I don't think so.  We'll know more when Alex wakes up, and that won't be until sometime tomorrow night."

 

"Can I see him?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Soon,"  the other doctor replies.  "Alex is still in recovery now, but we're prepping him to move him into ICU.  You can see him as soon as he's moved."

 

"Thank you,"  John Ross says.

 

"Why don't the rest of you go on home and get some sleep?"  The doctor suggests.  "Mr. and Mrs. Ewing are the only ones who will be able to see Alex until later tomorrow.  Or, since it's almost 5 a.m., I should say later today."

 

"Oh, please, can't I see him for just a minute?"  Bridget asks.

 

The doctor looks at the girl.  "I'm sorry, young lady.  But you can see Alex later."

 

"Come on, Bridget,"  Donna Love says to her granddaughter.  "I'm taking you home to get some sleep."

 

The girl nods, then walks over to John Ross.  "Mr. Ewing, if there's any change at all, please call me."

 

"I will, darlin'.  Now you go home and get some rest."

 

"Ashley, come on, let's go back to the hotel,"  James says.  

 

"If it's okay, Mr. Beaumont, could I drive Ashley home?"  Shawn asks.  "Sine she's leaving today, I'd kinda like to spend a little more time with her."

 

James looks at the boy, then at his daughter.  "Okay, but come STRAIGHT to the hotel.  I called the airport and got us a later flight for this afternoon.  So we need to get a few hours sleep before then."

 

"Don't worry, we'll go straight there."  Shawn says.

 

James nods, then he and Jimmy leave.  "You sure?"  Ashley asks Shawn.  "You must be exhausted."

 

"I'm kinda tired, but I wanna spend all the time with you I can, since I won't see you for another month or so."

 

Ashley smiles, then she and Shawn leave together.

The Krebbs Ranch....the next morning....

 Donna, Ray, and Conner are having breakfast in the Krebbs kitchen the next morning.  "I'm sorry that I won't be able to go with you two out to visit Dylan today,"  Donna says.

 

"You're not coming?"  Conner asks.

 

"No, I have to fly down to Austin this afternoon for a committee meeting."

 

"On a Sunday?"

 

"It's a special committee, and they wanna meet on Sunday, outside of the normal hustle and bustle of the a weekday."'

 

"Well, we knew when you took that job as Railroad Commissioner, there'd be times like this,"  Ray says.

 

"We're also gonna be conferring with the Texas Bureau Of Land Management,"  Donna says.

 

"Must be important,"  says Ray.

 

"It is.  And I'm not sure that Ewing Oil would like what we're going to be discussing."

 

"Uh-oh,  sounds like it has somethin' to do with oil drillin'."

 

"Yes.  Some of the indepdenents, including Ewing Oil, have been pumping too much oil, so, the Oil Regulatory Committee wants to talk about forcing them to cut back."

 

As Ray is about to say something,the phone rings.  "I'll get that,"  he says.  "Be right back."  Getting up from the table, Ray walks over to the counter and picks up the phone, answering the call.

 

"You're awfully quiet this morning,"  Donna says to Conner.  

 

"I just never know how I'm gonna find Dylan when we go to see him,"  Conner says.  "This may sound terrible, Donna, but, sometimes, I almost dread going to that place to visit him.  He's been there for several weeks now, and he doesn't seem any better than the day we left him there.  Still quiet, still angry.  Still refusing to accept that he has a drinking problem. But I can't NOT go.  Dylan's mother is still in Europe, and Todd Baxter dropped by to see him for about ten minutes one time since he's been at the Hagman Center.  If the three of us didn't go, he'd really feel all alone and abandoned."

 

Donna reaches out and takes the young man by the hand.  "Dylan has to get to the point of WANTING to get better, before it'll happen," she says.  

 

"Yeah, thanks for callin', Bob,"  Ray says, talking on the phone.  "Let me know how he's doin'.  Has anybody let Jenna know?  Okay. I'll talk to ya later.  Bye."  Ray puts down the phone, a worried look on his face.

 

Donna looks at her husband.  "Ray?  What is it?"

 

"That was Bobby.  Alex is in the hospital."

 

"What happened?"  Donna asks.

 

"He collapsed last night at prom.  They rushed him to the hospital and he had to have surgery."

 

"Surgery?"  Conner asks.  "For what?"

 

Ray sighs.  "He had some kinda somethin' on his brain.  A tumor or somethin', I forget exactly what Bobby called it.  They had to operate to remove it.  It was caused from the head injury he got in the accident."

 

Conner's heart sinks as he hears the news of Alex's latest medical crisis.  Brain surgery as a result of the head injury from the car accident.......the accident Conner himself was taking the blame for, that Dylan had actually caused.

Southfork....

 At Southfork, Lucas, Heather, Michael, and Jacob are moving some of the ranch's cattle into one of the corrals.  "Come on,"  Lucas yells at the animals as he ushers them into the corral over the loud sounds of their mooing.  "Come on, get in there!  Get on in there!"

"It IS pretty hot out here,"  Michael says with a smile.

 

"Well, you and Jacob did volunteer to help us today," says Lucas.  

 

"I know.  Actually, I'm havin' a lotta fun."

 

"How about you, Jacob?"  Heather asks.  "You enjoy ranchin', or is it too much work for ya?"

 

"Sure, it's okay, I guess,"  Jacob says.  

 

"Well, couple more hours and we should be done here,"  Lucas says.

 

"You guys think we can visit Alex in the hospital later?"  Michael asks.

 

 "Well, buddy, we'll have to ask John Ross and see what the doctor says, but, hopefully we can go see him this afternoon,"  Lucas replies.  

 

"Is Alex gonna die?"  Jacob asks, sadly.  

 

Lucas and Heather exchange looks.  "Why would you think that, Jacob?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I heard you and Heather talking early this morning.  I heard you say that Alex had surgery on his brain and that he was in real bad shape."

 

"Is that true, Dad?"  Michael asks.

 

Lucas sighs.  "Boys, come here, I wanna talk to you,"  he says.  Michael and Jacob walk over to Lucas.  

 

"What's wrong with Alex?"  Michael asks.  "You just told me he was in the hospital."

 

"On New Year's Eve, when your cousin Alex was in that car accident, you boys remember, he had a very serious head injury?"

 

"Uh-huh,"  both boys reply.

 

"Well, Alex had some bleeding on his brain.  The doctors operated, and they stopped the bleeding.  Everyone thought that Alex was gonna be alright.  But there was a problem that the doctors missed back then.  Alex has what's called a lesion on his brain.  It was caused from when he was hurt in the accident.  That's why he' been havin' those headaches.  The doctors had to operate to fix the problem."

 

"So, is he gonna be okay?"  Michael asks.

 

"We won't know for a while, sweety,"  Heather says.  "But, I tell you what we can all do, and that's pray real hard for Alex, that he's gonna be alright."

 

"Come on, everybody,"  says Lucas.  "Let's get back to work.  It'll help to keep our minds occupied.  We'll finish this work, go back to the house, and then we'll see if we can go and visit Alex."

 

The boys nod.  They finish off their bottles of water, then return to their work.

Justin's ranch....

  Justin and Corey are working outside at his ranch early in the afternoon when Kasey comes out of the house and walks over to them carrying a pitcher of lemonade and two glasses.  "Here,"  the girl says.  "It's so hot out here I thought you two could use some lemonade."  She pours two glasses.

 

"Oh, Kasey, you're a life saver,"  Justin says, walking over to her and takes his glass.  "Thanks."

 

"You're welcome.  How's it comin' out here?"

 

Justin takes a sip of his lemonade.   "Great.  This kid brother of yours is quite a worker.  He's been a real help to me this weekend."

 

Corey smiles. "I like workin' here.  Kinda reminds me of our farm back home."

 

The smiles disappears from Kasey's face.  "Justin, have you heard anything about Josh?  When are Corey and me gonna be able to see him?"

 

"Not for a while I'm afraid,"  Justin replies.  "Y'see, because of what Josh did, keepin' you and Corey at the farm after your folks died, not sendin' you to school, or even lettin' anybody know you were there, the authorities don't want your brother to have any contact with the two of you for the time bein'."

 

"For how long?"  Kasey asks.

 

"I don't know."

 

"That aint fair!"  Corey complains.  

 

"I know it's not,"  Justin says.  "But, even if his intentions were good, what Josh did was wrong, and a crime in the eyes of the law.  Now, I got that lawyer, Drew Demarest representin' Josh, and he's real good.  He'll do whatever he can to help your brother, and, Austin Wentworth said he's not gone press any charges for Josh keepin' him at the farm against his will, so that'll help him, too.  For right now, I'm afraid y'all can't have any contact with your brother at all."

 

"Is Josh gonna have to go to prison?"  Corey asks.

 

"I don't think so.  He'll prob'ly end up doin' a few months in a youth detention center or somethin' like that."  Justin looks at his cousins.  "You guys love your brother a lot, don't you?"

 

"After Mama and Daddy were gone, Josh was all Corey and me had," says Kasey.  "All the three of us had was each other."

 

"And now it's just me and Kasey,"  a sad Corey says.  "Nobody else."

brother gets into the car and drives away.  

 

"Who's in the hospital?"  Corey asks.

 

"Alex.  He's my nephew.  My half- brother John Ross's son."

 

"I remember him from Southfork,"  says Kasey.

 

"I need to go and take a shower, so I can go to the hospital and see him,"  Justin says, a worried look on his face.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....that night

 John Ross is pacing anxiously around the waiting room at the hospital that night when Sue Ellen walks in.  "John Ross?"

 

"Mama."

 

"Is anything wrong?  Why are you in here?  Are they doing more tests?"

 

"No, Alex is doin' as well as can be expected,"  John Ross says.  "Jenna Wade is in visiting with him now and I had to get out of there.  I can't stand that woman."

 

"Oh, good.  Where's Krystina?"

 

"She was exhausted, so I sent her home."

 

"You must be totally exhausted, yourself,"  Sue Ellen says.  "John Ross, why don't you go home and get some rest?  Or, if you don't want to be that far from Alex, go over to my house and get some sleep."

 

"No.  I'm not leavin' this hospital until Alex wakes up and I know he's gonna be okay."

 

Sue Ellen lovingly touches her son's shoulder and rubs it as she smiles, proud of the kind of father her son had become to his children.  

 

Jenna walks into the room.  "Hello, Sue Ellen," she says.

 

"Hello, Jenna."

 

"John Ross, Alex is beginning to wake up.  I told the nurse,"  Jenna says.  

 

John Ross quickly rushes from the waiting room.  

 

"Jenna, how are you?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

John Ross looks at his mother.  "You wanna tell me what that was all about?"  He asks.

 

"It was nothing,"  Sue Ellen replies, a look of anger on her face and a tone of anger in her voice, leaving John Ross to wonder what had his mother and Jenna had been arguing about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ewing Oil....the next morning....

 John Ross walks into Ewing Oil the next morning.  Seeing him pass by her open office door, Jill gets up from her seat at her desk and walks out of her office to him.   "John Ross,"  Jill calls to her brother as she rushes to catch up to him outside of his office.

 

"Mornin'," he says.

 

"I'm surprised to see you here, with Alex in the hospital and everything."

 

"Well, I was at the hospital all day yesterday and half the night.  There's nothin' more I could do there but to just sit and watch my son sleep, so, with Christopher in California, I figured I could be more use here."

 

"Oh, well how is Alex?"  Jill asks.

 

"He's in and out of consciousness,"  John Ross replies.  "Which the doctor said is because of all the drugs they're givin' him.  But, the doctor did tell me this mornin' when I went by the hospital before comin' to the office that he's makin' progress.  They did a new CT scan and, looks like they got all of that lesion on his brain.  So, doctor seems to think he'll be fine in a few weeks."

 

Jill smiles.  "John Ross, that's great news."

 

"Yeah, that boy had me worried sick."

 

"Well, I will go by the hospital and see him this afternoon,"  Jill says.  "I'm having lunch with Jay at Perry's at 12:30 and I'll go by the hospital right after."

 

"Good,"  John Ross says with a smile.  "Well, I got some paper work to do, so, I'll talk to ya later."

 

"Alright,"  Jill says as John Ross walks into his office.

Barbara Davis Hagman Center, Fort Worth....

 Dylan is in session with his counselor, Josh, at the Barbara Hagman Center later that morning.  "Dylan, y'know you've been here at the Hagman Center for more than a month now, and you still haven't opened up at all,"  Josh says.  "Not to me, and not in group."

 

"Look, I really don't know what you want me to say."

 

"Dylan, all I want is for you to share what's on your mind, and what you're feeling."

 

"I really don't know how I'm feeling,"  Dylan says.

 

"Come on, Dylan.  I really don't think that's true.  I think you know exactly how you're feeling, you're just afraid to let those feelings come to the surface."

 

"Okay, then, Mr. Therapist who seems to know so much.  Tell me.......what am I feeling right now?"

 

"I asked YOU to tell ME,"  Josh says.  "For one thing, I think you're feeling anger and bitterness."

 

Dylan looks at Josh for a few seconds, then looks away as he fights back tears.  "Okay, you wanna know how I feel right now?  I feel alone.  All alone in the world."

 

"Why do you feel that way, Dylan?"  

 

"Why?  Isn't it obvious?"  Dylan asks.  "My family......my brother.......brought me here to this place and just dumped me."

 

"Come on, Dylan, you don't believe that,"  Josh says.  "They didn't just dump you here.  Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs, and your brother Conner, they've been here EVERY weekend to visit you.  They saw that you had a problem, and they wanted to get that problem taken care of before it got any more out of control than it already had."

 

"So I should be grateful?"  Dylan asks, bitterly.

 

"That's up to you, Dylan.  Look, I shared my story with you.  So, as you know, I've been exactly where you are right now.  Angry, bitter.  Refusing to accept that I was sick and needed help.  Lashing out at anyone who wanted to help me.  But you're not gonna get any better until you ACCEPT that you have a problem."

 

"I DON'T!"  Dylan yells.  "I don't have a problem."

 

"Oh, really?  You told me yourself, and your family has told me that, you have holes in your memory.  Whole days and nights that you have no idea what you were doing or what happened to you.  Dylan, tell me what happened to you on New Year's Eve.  New Year's Day?"

 

Dylan remains silent and lowers his head.

 

"How did you get beaten up and land in the hospital on New Year's Day?  How's you get robbed, and where did it happen?"

 

Again, Dylan is silent as he bites his lower lip.

 

"You can't tell me, can you?"  Josh asks.  "You can't tell me because you have no idea yourself."

 

"So?  I got drunk and blacked out, okay?"

 

"No, it's NOT okay, Dylan.  Not when you're almost beaten to death and land in the hospital.  Dylan, you could've died."

 

"So what if I had?"  Dylan blurts out.  "What difference would it make?"

 

"Dylan, why do you say that?  Doesn't your life mean anything to you?"

 

Dylan stands to his feet, walks around his chair, then turns back to face Josh.  "Why should it?  It doesn't matter to my family.  And I'm not talking about Conner, Ray, and Donna.  I'm talking about my own mother. Do you know where she is right now while I've been going through this hell?  She's been in Europe.  Soaking up some sun, sightseeing, whatever.  She's ashamed of me.  She has been ever since I had a breakdown three years ago.  And my big brother Todd.  How many times has HE been by here to see me?  Twice, for like five minutes.  And let me tell you about Todd.  You and he would get along great, because you have something in common."

 

"Oh?  And what's that?"  Josh asks.

 

"Like you, Todd's gay.  He hid it from everyone for years.  And because he lived a double life and hid his secret, John Ross Ewing was able to find that secret out and use it to blackmail Todd.  John Ross's blackmail drove Todd to attempt suicide.  He overdosed on pills and booze one day, and guess who found him.  Me.  All my life Todd Baxter had been my hero.  My big brother.  My best friend.  I thought he was perfect."

 

"You put your older brother on a pedestal and then found out he wasn't perfect,"  Josh says.

 

"I walked into his apartment that day, and found him in bed.  I thought he was dead.  Then the truth came out.  Todd was being blackmailed because he hid who he really was."

 

"How did it make you feel when you found out your brother's secret?"

 

"How did it make me feel?"  Dylan asks.  "I hated him.  I hated him because he put me through the hell of finding him unconscious from an overdose, and I hated him because......."

 

"Because why, Dylan?"  Josh asks.

 

Dylan begins to cry.  "Because.......I didn't wanna be like him."

 

"Like him.......how?"

 

"My brother was gay,"  Dylan says.

 

"So, you were afraid that you might be gay, too, because your brother is?"

 

"I bet you think that's pretty dumb, don't you?"  

 

"No, I don't think it's dumb.  A bit unreasonable, but not dumb."

 

"Why is it unreasonable?"  Dylan asks.  "My family is tainted.  It's in our blood.  Both the Ewings AND the Smithfields."

 

"You think your older brother is tainted because he's gay?"  Josh asks.

 

"Todd tried to kill himself rather than let anyone find out.  You don't know my family.  In the Smithfield family, you have to be perfect, or else.......you're kicked to the curb.  Just look at me.  I wasn't perfect enough for my mother, or even for big brother Todd, so they just dropped me, like I don't even exist.  I use to love my brother.  I use to look up to him."

 

"But not now?"

 

"No,"  Dylan replies in tears.  "He's nothing but a lying hypocrite, and I hate him.  I HATE him," he says, angrily.

Perry's Steakhouse And Grille....

 "Are you ready to order, Mrs. Smithfield?"  A waitress at Perry's asks Jill that afternoon.

 

"Oh, no not yet, Marie,"  Jill replies.  "I'm meeting my husband for lunch, so I'll just wait for him."

 

Marie the waitress smiles.  "Alright, well you just let me know when you're ready."

 

"Thanks, I will,"  Jill says, after which the waitress walks away.  Jill looks at her watch and sighs in frustration.  Jay is already more than ten minutes late for their lunch.  She looks around the restaurant at the crowds of people, then at her watch again.  She takes a sip of her wine.  After waiting almost a full minute, she checks her watch a third time, then her cell phone rings.  Picking the phone up from the table, she sees that Jay is calling her, and she quickly answers the call.  "I hope you're on the way, because I am STARVED," she says.

Smithfield And Bennett....

"Sweetheart, I'm really sorry,"  Jay says to his wife on the phone.  "I won't be able to make it today.  I have a meeting with a very important client in fifteen minutes."

Perry's....

"What?  Jay, are you KIDDING me?"  Jill angrily asks.  "You said you'd be free for lunch today."

 

"I know, and I'm sorry.  This just came up.  Look, honey, this is a very important client, otherwise, I'd reschedule, but......"

 

"But, this client is obviously more important thank your wife."

 

"That's not true, Jill,"  Jay says.

 

"Well, it's apparent to me that Smithfield and Bennett is more important than me.  How many times is this you've blown me off and cancelled plans to meet with a client or to go to the jail to see a client, or to file some injunction?"

 

"Jill, I'm sorry.  But you know with my father away right now, things are hectic around here."

 

"Y'know what, Jay, just forget it.  I'll have lunch by myself.  I'm use to that by now,"  Jill says, then quickly hangs up on her husband.  She tosses her phone onto the table.  She sighs in frustration.  

 

"Well, Mrs. Smithfield,"  comes a male voice.  Jill looks up and sees Detective Craig Anderson standing in front of her.  

 

"Craig, hi," she says, surprised to see him.

 

"How are you, Jill?"  Craig asks.  "It's been a while."

 

"Yes, it has.  I'm fine, and how are you?"

 

"Never better.  You looked a bit aggravated when you were on the phone.  Bad news?"

 

"No, ummm, I was supposed to meet Jay here for lunch, but, he's busy with a client and had to cancel."

 

"Well, I always thought Jay Smithfield was a smart guy, but I guess not."

 

"Excuse me?"  Jill asks.

 

"I can't imagine any guy who'd rather be with a client than his wife, when his wife is as beautiful as you."

 

"Well, thank you, Craig,"  Jill says.  "You always were the charmer."

 

Craig smiles.  "You make it easy, Jill."

 

"Umm, have you had lunch yet?"

 

"No, actually, I was just gettin' here."

 

"Okay, well, since I've been stood up by my husband, would you care to join me for lunch?"  Jill asks.

 

Craig's smile becomes larger on his face.  "I would love to.  We can catch up, and maybe even talk about old times, when we were in high school."

 

Jill smiles at him as Craig takes a seat across from her.

Braddock High School....

 Bridget is at her locker at Braddock High that afternoon, having a hard time opening her locker.  Finally, she gets angry and hits the locker as hard as she can with her hand, when Shawn walks up to her.  "Hey, let me get me that," he says.

 

"Thanks,"  Bridget says.  "Leave it to me to get the only locker in school that won't open right."

 

"It's not you,"  Shawn says, pulling the locker door open.  "Half the lockers in this school are that way.  I think these things are at least 40 years old."

 

"Thanks, again,"  Bridget says, getting two books from the locker.  

 

 Jill and Detective Craig Anderson are walking through Klyde Warren Park after their lunch.  "Thank you for hanging out with me this afternoon,"  Jill says.  "I really didn't feel like going back to the office today after lunch.  Nothing much going on there anyway."

 

"You don't have to thank me,"  Craig says.  "It's my pleasure.  I've really enjoyed this afternoon, Jill.  Enjoyed talking over old times.  And they really were some good times, weren't they?"

 

"Mostly."

 

"Mostly?"

 

"Yes, mostly,"  Jill says.  "There were some bad times, too."

 

"Like, our breakup?"  Craig asks.

 

"Breakup?  More like you leaving me."

 

 

Craig stops walking and looks at her.  "That was the biggest mistake of my life, Jill.  I was a 17-year-old kid.  I was young and stupid.  I didn't know what I wanted.  And I've regretted that ever since.  Jill, ever since high school, there's never been another woman that I've cared for.  No one but you."

 

"Well, it's a little late for you to realize that now, Craig."

 

"Is it?"

 

"Of course it is,"  Jill replies.  "I'm married."

 

"Yeah, you're married, but is it a happy marriage?"  Craig asks.  

 

"What kind of a question is that, Craig?"

 

"A reasonable one.  Your husband stood you up for lunch, Jill.  How many times has that happened?"

 

Jill sighs.  

 

"A lot,huh?"

 

"Jay is an attorney.  He's a very busy man."

 

"Too busy to spare a half hour for lunch with his wife?  Jill, come on.  You deserve better than that."

 

"In all fairness, there have been times when I had to work late at Ewing Oil, and had to cancel plans with Jay."

 

"You're just making excuses for him,"  Craig.  "Jill, you are a beautiful, intelligent, passionate woman who deserves to be the center of any man's universe.  You said it's too late for us, but is it really?"

 

"Of course, it is."

 

"It doesn't have to be, Jill.  Can you honestly say that you don't still have feelings for me, even after all these years?" 

 

"I don't,"  Jill says. 

 

"I don't believe that.  Jill, I could see it on your face the first time we saw each other again at Jay's grandmother's funeral last year.  You and I, we were somethin' special in high school.  We could be again."

 

"What are you suggesting?  That I cheat on my husband with you?" 

 

"Jay doesn't appreciate you.  If he did, he would've been there with you at that restaurant, having lunch instead of standing you up at the last minute for probably the umpteenth time,"  Craig says.  "I still remember what it was like for us, Jill.  Remember?  Remember how every nerve in both of our bodies tingled whenever we touched?"

 

"That was a LONG time ago, Craig."

 

"Could be that way again."

 

"No.  It couldn't.  I love my husband.  What you and I had ended 12 years ago.  And that's where that part of my life is gonna stay......in the past.  Goodbye, Craig."

 

 

 

"Jill, wait,"  Craig says, grabbing Jill by the arm as she starts to walk away.  At the same time, Tripp McKay is jogging nearby in the park when he sees Craig grab Jill by the arm.  Tripp stops in his tracks and watches Jill and the other man.   Craig takes a business card from his shirt pocket and slips it into her hand.  "Here's my card, with my cell phone number, in case you don't still have it from when I gave it to you months ago.  If you ever need someone.......give me a call."

 

 

"Thanks, but NO thanks,"  Jill says, turning and walking away from him.  Craig smiles, feeling hopeful in the fact that at least Jill did take his card with her instead of tearing it up and throwing it to the ground.

 

 

Both Jill and Craig are unaware that they had been seen by Tripp, who watches Jill as she walks away from the park.  Then he turns his gaze back to the man Jill had been talking to as he heads in the opposite direction.  The wheels immediately begin turning in Tripp's devious mind.  "Well, now," he says.  "What in the world could that have been about?  What are you up to, Jill?   I guess I'll just have to make it my business to find out."  Tripp begins to wonder how he can use what he had just seen to his own advantage in some way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southfork....that evening....

 John Ross is in the den pouring himself a drink that night when Bobby walks into the den.  "Well, evenin', John Ross,"  Bobby greets his nephew.  "Missed you at dinner tonight?"

 

"Thank ya, Uncle Bobby, but I was at the hospital with Alex.  Fix you a drink?"

 

"Yes, thank you.  How's Alex doin'?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Finally startin' to wake up from all that damned dope they've been givin' him in that hospital.  Doctor said he's comin' along fine, and hopefully he can come home by the end of the week."

 

"Well, that's great news.  Is missin' so much school gonna have an affect on him graduating in a few weeks?"

 

"Nope, I already spoke to Alex's principal, his guidance counselor, and all his teachers, and they all agreed that Alex can make up his lost school work at home with a tutor once he's feelin' better, and hopefully in a couple weeks he can be back in school for those last few days before graudation."

 

"Well more good news,"  says Bobby.  

 

"If Alex continues to improve and gets home by week's end, things will hopefully start lookin' up for all the Ewings.  By the way, when are Christopher and Courtney comin' back from California?"

 

"Just as soon as they finish their business out there,"  Bobby replies.  "They are hoping to convince Chase Gioberti to allow Christopher to adopt Jacob, and they're probably gonna see Emma at Falcon Crest while they're in San Francisco."

 

"Oh, well, I guess I'll call it a night, then."

 

"John Ross, wait.  I wanna have a word with you."

 

"I'm all ears."

 

"I wanted to apologize,"  says Bobby.

 

"Apologize?  Apologize for what?"

 

"Several weeks ago, when you suggested that Ewing Oil negotiate with Wentworth Industries for use of their new, computerized drill, I shut you down."

 

"Uncle Bobby, look, you really don't have to explain anything........"

 

"No, I think I do,"  Bobby says.  "I was a bit harsh in my refusal.  Now I still want nothing to do with Wentworth Industries as long as Katherine still legally owns that company, no matter who's running it.  But I shouldn't have been so harsh with you.  It's just that that family has caused us Ewings a LOT of pain and trouble over the years.  Katherine tried to kill me, twice.  She broke up my marriage to Pam, and she almost killed Ann, not to mention what her psychotic daughter did to Jimmy.  John Ross, I simply CANNOT do business with the Wentworth family, and I hope you can understand that.  There are other companies out there with similar drills that we can do business with.  But not Wentworth."

 

John Ross nods, breathing a sigh of relief, having feared that Bobby already knew that he had struck a deal with Wentworth for use of their new drill.  "I understand."

 

"Good."

 

"Well, night, Uncle Bobby."

 

"Night, John Ross.  See you in the morning,"  Bobby says as John Ross leaves the room.  

 

A couple of minutes later, John Ross walks into his and Krystina's bedroom.  She walks into the room after him.  "Hey," she says. 

 

"Hey, darlin'.  Kids okay?"

 

"Yeah, they just went to sleep.  But are YOU okay?"

 

John Ross sighs.  "Just had a talk with Uncle Bobby downstairs.  He apologized to me for bein' so harsh when I suggested we negotiate with Wentworth Industries for their new drill."

 

"Oh, wow."

 

"Yeah.  My heart sank.  At first I thought he had found out I struck a deal with Jonathon Lord."

 

"John Ross, you know that, sooner or later, Bobby WILL find out and when he does, he's gonna hit the roof."

 

"I know,"  John Ross says.  "But, better later than sooner.  If only there was some way to get Uncle Bobby to take a vacation from the office for a while.  An EXTENDED vacation."

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....the next morning....

 Bridget knocks on Alex's hospital room door the next morning.  "Come in," she hears him say in a weak voice.  Walking into the room, she finds a nurse taking Alex's vitals.

 

"Well, your blood pressure is doing much better this morning,"  the nurse says.

 

"Better?"  Bridget asks.  "What does that mean?"

 

"My blood pressure was a little high last night,"  replies Alex.

 

"This morning it's 119 over 77.  Just about perfect," the nurse says.  "Do you need anything?  Are you in any pain?"

 

"A little.  Mostly I need some real food instead of this crappy broth you people have been feeding me."

 

The nurse smiles..  "Well, as soon as the doctor says you can have solid food, you'll get it.  But until then, young man, it's liquids ONLY.  I'll get you something for pain," she says, then leaves the room.

 

Bridget walks over to his bedside.  "How're you feeling?  Other than a little pain and being sick of this disgusting liquid diet they've got you on."

 

"I'm okay,"  Alex says.  "Just ready to get out of here."

 

"I know."

 

"Bridget, I'm so sorry."

 

"Sorry?"  Bridget asks.  "Sorry for what?"

 

"I ruined prom for you.  That was supposed to be such a perfect night, and instead I ended up in here."

 

"Alex, come on, seriously?  That was NOT your fault.  I don't care about prom.  All I care about is you, and I'm so thankful that you're gonna be okay."

 

"You were looking forward to that night so much,"  says Alex.  "This IS my fault.  If I hadn't ignored those headaches for the past few months, maybe this wouldn't have happened.  I kept hoping they'd get better, and, to be honest, I was scared.  I just knew the headaches had to be because of the accident.  John Ross kept on asking me about them, and I kept telling him I was fine."

 

"You had no way of knowing it was this serious," Bridget says.  "The doctor did say you might have some headaches. But they were worse and more frequent than you told any of us, weren't they?"

 

Alex looks at the girl and nods.  "Yeah.  Sometimes, it was so bad it felt like my head was gonna explode."

 

Bridget takes his hand.  "Alex, you should have told me how bad they were.  You should've told your Dad."

 

"I know."

 

"When you passed out at prom, I was SO scared.  That was the worst moment of my life."

 

"Yeah, it was one of mine, too."

 

"I don't know what I would ever do if I lost you,"  Bridget says.  

 

"Well, hey, you're NOT gonna lose me.  The doctors cut that, whatever it was, out of my brain, and I'm gonna be fine."

 

"You'd better be.  Because I love you."

 

Alex smiles.  "I love you, too, Bridget McKinnon.  And I have some good news."

 

"I could sure use some.  What is it?"

 

"My Dad talked to Mr. Fields, the principal, and to all my teachers.  They're gonna let me make up any work  I miss while I'm in the hospital, so, if I do well, I can still graduate on time."

 

"Oh my God," Bridget happily says.  "That's GREAT.  So we'll get to walk together on graduation day.  That's the best news."  Bridget leans down and kisses him.

Barbara Davis Hagman Center....later....

Later that morning, Dylan is having another one on one session with his counselor, Josh, at the Barbara Davis Hagman Center.  

 

"Dylan, in our last session, I think we made a breakthrough,"  Josh says.  

 

"Did we?"  Dylan asks in a skeptical tone of voice.

 

"Yes, I think so.  We talked about your older brother, Todd.  About how much you resented Todd, and how much you feared being.......like him.  Why don't we explore that a little further?"

 

Dylan looks at the young counselor.  "What is there to explore?  It's pretty simple, isn't it?  All my life I looked up to my big brother.  I idolized him.  Then I found out he wasn't the person I thought he was."

 

"You found out he was human, just like the rest of us,"  Josh says.  

 

"I guess so."

 

"Dylan, do you still have that fear of being like Todd?  Of being gay?"

 

"I don't know,"  Dylan replies, standing to his feet.  He walks across the room and looks at some books on Josh's book shelf.  

 

"What would make you have that fear, Dylan?"  Josh asks.  "Have you ever been attracted to another man."

 

"No!"  Dylan quickly replies.  "No.  It's just........"  he pauses as he walks over and takes a seat on a sofa.  "Doesn't that 

sort of thing sometimes run in families?"

 

"Not necessarily, Dylan.  Just because someone is gay doesn't mean their siblings are gay or will be.  Dylan, I feel there has to be more to this fear than just worrying you might have that same so called gay gene as your brother."

 

Dylan looks at him.  "I always felt like there was something wrong with me."

 

"What do you mean by that?"

 

"I never had any luck with girls.  From the time I was in elementary school.  When I was in 5th grade, I had my first crush on this girl named Tiffany.  It took me months to work up the courage to finally write her a letter telling her how I felt.  She wrote me a note back saying she wasn't interested.  No reason why, just, she wasn't interested.  Same thing happened a couple years later, in 7th grade.  No girl that I ever liked was interested in me.  I use to look at myself in the mirror and wonder what it was about me.  I thought I was fairly good looking, or, at least I wasn't hideous looking or anything.  I just didn't have what it took to get anywhere with girls."

 

"Any idea why that is?"  Josh asks.

 

"No.  At least, not until I found out about Todd.  When I found out my brother was gay, I..........I started to wonder if maybe that's why no girl was ever interested in dating me.  Maybe, subconsciously, I was, too, and maybe all these girls somehow picked up on it.  There HAD to be something wrong with me.  Do you know when I lost my virginity, Josh?"

 

"No, Dylan, I have no idea."

 

"It was just last year,"  Dylan replies sadly.  

 

"Why don't you tell me about her?"  Josh asks.

 

"Her name was Amanda.  She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life.  She was a little older than me, but not much.  Maybe 3 years.  But she was so much more experienced than me.  She had already been married and divorced, and had just separated from her second husband."

 

"Sounds like you really cared for this young woman."

 

"I did,"  Dylan says.  "I loved her.  For the first time in my life, I was REALLY in love.  She had just split up from her husband, and, I helped her out."

 

"Helped her how?"

 

"Gave her money for a motel room when she didn't have anywhere to stay and no job."

 

"And you had sex with her?"  Josh asks.

 

"Yeah.  More than once."

 

"So what happened?"

 

"What do you THINK happened?"  Dylan asks.  "Same thing that always happened.  Amanda didn't care for me.  I guess I was only good to use for money and sex for a little while, but just as soon as this smooth, handsome rich guy named Brad Stone gave her a job, she moved on from me to him."

 

"And you were deeply hurt."

 

"I was crushed.  It had happened to me AGAIN.  If I ever had any doubt that there was something wrong with me, Amanda finally put those doubts to rest."

 

"How did you cope with Amanda's rejection?"

 

"How'd I cope?"  Dylan asks.  "I coped by getting drunk.  And I pretty much stayed drunk until Ray, Donna, and Conner dumped me here."

 

"How do you feel right now, Dylan, since you've opened up and shared all this with me?"

 

Dylan hesitates before answering, then looks at him.  "You wanna know how I REALLY feel?"

 

"Yes, I do."

 

"I want a drink.  More than anything else in the world right now I want a drink,"  Dylan replies, tears running down his cheek.

Ewing Oil....

 Jill is sitting at her desk at Ewing Oil early in the afternoon, having a hard time concentrating on her work.  Finally, she picks up her cell phone and dials the number to Jay's office at Smithfield and Bennett.  After the second ring, Jay's secretary answers.  "Connie, hi, this is Jill Smithfield.  Is my husband in the office?  Oh, I see, still in court, huh?  No, I was just hoping he would be free for lunch.  Well, I would call him on his cell but, I don't know when he's free and I don't wanna disturb him, so could you give him a message for me?  Just tell him not to forget about dinner tonight.  Yes, that's right.  No, that's all.  Thank you, Connie.  Bye."  Jill ends the call and puts her phone down.  Laying on her desk is the business card Detective Craig Anderson had given her the day before.  Jill picks the card up and looks at it, for a moment considering giving Craig a call.  But then she puts the card down, pushing the thought of calling her old high school boyfriend out of her mind.  She again picks up her cell phone.  Dialing a number, she waits for an answer.  The phone rings several times, and as Jill is about to give up, someone answers.  "Justin, hi," she says.  "Are you free for lunch?  Wonderful.  I haven't seen my brother in a while, so, how about I take you to lunch?  Meet downstairs in the lobby in half an hour?  Great.  Okay, see you soon.  Bye."  Jill ends the call, puts her phone down, and  her eyes again fall on Craig Anderson's business card on her desk.  She picks the card up and tosses it into the small waste basket beside her desk.

Southfork....late afternoon....

 Ann is sitting in the den rearranging some recipes in a book when Krystina comes into the room carrying baby Ellie.  "Hi, Ann," she says.

 

"Well, hi there,"  Ann says with a smile.  "How was Ellie's doctor's visit?"  

 

"It went just fine.  Doctor said this precious little girl is in perfect health, which is a miracle considering the trouble she had coming into the world."

 

"Well, that's wonderful."

 

"And after Ellie's doctor visit, she and I went by the hospital to see her big brother,"  Krystina says.  

 

"Oh, how's Alex doin'?"  Ann asks.

 

"Getting stronger every day.  Hopefully he'll be home by the end of the week."

 

"I sure hope so.  House has seemed awful empty without him.  I have to go into Dallas tomorrow mornin' so I'll stop by and see him."

 

Krystina smiles.  "I know he'd love that."

 

Lucas walks into the room.  "Boy, it may only be spring, but it feels like the middle of summer out there," he says.

 

"You home for the day?"  Ann asks.

 

"Sure am.  Where's Heather?"

 

"She's upstairs in her room, I think."

 

"Great.  I think I'll go upstairs, get me a shower, and then take my lovely wife into town for dinner,"  Lucas says with a smile.  "Oh, I had to run into Braddock, and on the way back in I stopped and got the mail.  Krystina, you got a letter or somethin' from your Mom."

 

"Oh, thanks, Lucas,"  Krystina says, taking her letter.

 

"And, Ann, you got something, too."

 

A nervous Ann looks at the envelope as Lucas hands it to her.  

 

"Ann?  Anything wrong?"  Lucas asks.

 

"No. Everything's fine,"  Ann says, reluctantly taking the envelope.

 

"Well, excuse me, ladies, I'm gonna go take a shower.  See you both later."

 

"Bye, Lucas,"  Krystina says.  "Ann, I need to go and put this little princess down for a nap.  Then, I think I'll also take a shower before John Ross gets home from the office."  

 

"Alright,"  Ann replies.

 

"I'll see you at dinner."  Krystina leaves the room and heads up the stairs with the baby.

 

After she's gone, Ann looks at the envelope in her hand, afraid to open it, but realizing she has to.  After hesitating for several seconds, Ann finally rips the envelope open and pulls out a piece of paper.  She unfolds the paper and 

 Jill is sitting in the living room of her and Jay's apartment later that evening, impatiently looking at her watch every few seconds.  "Damn it, Jay, where are you?"  She wonders aloud.  Jill stands and walks to the window and looks out at the darkened sky, then checks her watch again. Jay should have been here for dinner more than half an hour ago. Jill is startled when her cell phone rings.  Rushing over to the sofa, she picks the phone up and quickly answers.  "Jay, there had better be a good excuse......"

 

"Honey I'm really sorry,"  Jay says.  "I'm gonna have to skip dinner tonight.  Look, I know I promised, but....."

 

"Damn right, you PROMISED that we were gonna have dinner tonight, Jay,"  Jill says angrily.

 

"I'm sorry.  I have to be in court on this Kendrick case first thing in the morning, my clerk screwed up on these depositions, so I have to redo them all tonight."

 

"Oh, that's just great.  Just freaking GREAT!"

 

"Jill, I promise, I'll make this up to you.  I may be late gettin' home, so, no need to wait up.  But I WILL make it up to you this weekend."

 

"Fine, can't wait!"  Jill says in a sarcastic voice, then abruptly hangs up on her husband.  "Yeah," she says to herself.  "Can't wait for another disappointment."  She sighs deeply, then walks over to a table by the sofa and grabs her purse.  She hesitates for a few seconds, then takes in a deep breath.  After another pause, she quickly leaves the apartment.

A short time later....

 

 

Detective Craig Anderson comes out of his bathroom after taking a shower, a towel wrapped around his waist, and drying his hair with another towel.  As he walks into his bedroom, his doorbell rings.  He appears annoyed by the interruption and proceeds to dry his hair.  The doorbell rings a second time, then a third.  "Okay, okay, I'm coming," he says.  He makes his way through the living room and opens the door.  Craig is pleasantly surprised when he finds Jill standing in the hall.

"Jill?  What are you doing here?"  Craig asks.

 

"You told me to call you if I ever needed someone,"  Jill says in tears.  "Well, I threw your number away, but I need someone.  So I decided to take you up on your offer."

 

Craig looks at her for a couple of seconds, then smiles.  He takes Jill by the hand and pulls her into the apartment, closing the door behind her.  Craig looks into her eyes for a moment, then the two begin kissing passionately, rekindling the romance that had brewed between them years ago when they were just high school kids.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 171....