This has been kicking around in my head. Hope you'll enjoy and comment

Regrets Of A Lifetime
by Tracey


Chapter One

"How am I going to handle being separated from my baby for so long?" Sue Ellen asked herself; her eyes filled with tears. She didn’t want to leave John Ross but one more night with JR would surely drive her to insanity.

Sue Ellen also didn’t want to take John Ross abruptly away from Jock and Miss Ellie quite yet, knowing they’d be devastated. When the time was right, she’d sue for custody. Dusty assured her he’d hire the best attorney money could buy. She trusted him.

Dusty was kind, loving and gentle; JR’s opposite. The only similarity was his family’s wealth. Both families made their money in the oil industry.

Dusty knew that a good home life would be a sense of stability for Sue Ellen, so he accepted his responsibilities to his parents, Clayton and Amy Farlow. Sue Ellen was nervous to meet them but Dusty assured her they’d welcome her with open arms.

Sue Ellen hoped her mother, Patricia, would be that understanding. She feared she wouldn’t but didn’t really care. Her happiness was at stake and Dusty made her happy.

* * * *

Sue Ellen looked around her and JR’s bedroom. She finished her packing. She left the written note to JR on their bed. Not that long ago, there was a part of her that wished their marriage lasted but not anymore. Sue Ellen looked forward to her new life with Dusty.

Sue Ellen crept down the stairway with suitcase in hand. Pam promised she’d take the best care of little John. Pam was the only person Sue Ellen told about her decision. She counted on Pam for her help and friendship.

“I love you honey,” Sue Ellen said, her arms not wanting to let go of her son. Pam kept her eye on the clock. “Everyone will be back home really soon Sue Ellen. You should go.”

“I know you’re right Pam but this isn’t easy for me, just to walk out. This has been my home for so long and to leave little John is the hardest thing I...”

“Sue Ellen, are you sure you love Dusty that much?”

“Yes Pam. I never knew such happiness existed,” Sue Ellen told her. She kissed John Ross and hugged Pam. She walked quickly to her car, and sped off to meet Dusty.

* * * *

Shortly after Sue Ellen left, Jock and Miss Ellie came back from driving Lucy to the airport to visit Gary and Valene in California.

“Hi, did Lucy catch her plane on time?”

“Yes Pam and it’s been such a long day. I need a drink,” Jock said.

“John Ross, did you miss Grandma?” Miss Ellie said, scooping John Ross up in her arms. She kissed and hugged him.

Pam nervously rubbed her hands together. “Jock, Miss Ellie…um, there’s something I have to tell you,” Pam said, with a lump in her throat.

* * * *

15 minutes later

JR and Bobby pulled up only minutes behind each other.

“You drive awfully slow JR. You had a good 20 minutes start ahead of me.”

“Why should I rush home? It’s not like I have a loving wife waiting for me. Her car isn’t here. She probably went to the local bar.”

“You’re a real jack ass JR. Sue Ellen seems sober these days.”

“Give her time Bob; you know how weak she is.”

“That’s enough JR,” Bobby said, his hand gripped his shirt.

“Let go of me Bobby,” JR said, his voice rose. Bobby frowned and went into the house.

****

“Hello, family. What’s wrong?” JR said, his parents sad face a concern.

They were silent. Pam said, “JR, I’m sorry but…um…”

“What Pam, what? Did Sue Ellen get thrown in jail for disorderly conduct or did she try and seduce a cop that was about to arrest her for drunk driving?”

“JR…stop. Listen to me!” Pam screamed. “Sue Ellen is gone.”

“Yeah I know, her car….”

“No, I mean she left you. She’s not coming back. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t lie to me Pammy.”

“JR, I’m not lying to you. Check your bedroom; her clothes aren’t there. She…she wrote you a letter; it’s on your bed.”

JR couldn’t move. His eyes grew dark in tortured disbelief. Hurt and anger touched his heart. His fury catapulted him up the steps in search of Sue Ellen’s letter.