This story takes place in the near future as we know it… Season 4 Ugly Betty, Episode 18, which is set in London, where Betty is on assignment for an overseas Fashion Week.

"Ticket, please."

"Mmmm… yep…." Betty fumbled around in her purse, then finding the rectangular stub, pulled it out with a flourish. "Right here!" She handed over her ticket while looking over towards Hilda. "London!!!" she said in an excited whisper. Betty beamed as she surveyed the surroundings. Harried travelers shuffling here and there, glancing at watches, scanning boards for their destinations. This was really happening! Her first assignment abroad. Well, the first time she had been abroad, period. She had had the chance to go to Rome once, but that was so long ago…… she shook her head, as if doing so would erase the memories that began to invade.

"Ready?" Betty asked.

"Do I look ready to you?" A smile crept across Hilda's face. "It's London, Mama!" She slid her carry on over her shoulder and together, they boarded the plane that would take them across the Atlantic.

Betty settled into her window seat as the captain and his crew relayed the rules and precautions of the flight. She leaned back comfortably in her spacious seat. I have to remember to thank Daniel again for getting us into first class. She glanced over at Hilda, who was already trying to wave down a flight attendant for a complimentary drink. Reaching into her purse, Betty pulled out a journal and a pen. She flipped to the first page and wrote boldly on the top: Inspiration. Smiling softly, she closed the journal and slipped it back into her purse. The rest of the flight was spent anxiously chatting with Hilda about all things London, and at one point, about a man in the third row whom Hilda swore had an uncanny resemblance to Tom Cruise.

The eight hour trip went by surprisingly fast, and before they knew it, they were listening to the intercom spouting off procedures on how to depart the plane. Soon, they were filing off, collecting their luggage, and hailing their first ever London cab.

"Aggh! I can't believe we're in Eur-rope!!!" sang Hilda as they bounced along in the small cab. "Maybe you'll find some cute gu-uys," she continued in a sing-song tone.

"No, no more romantic entanglements, Hilda. I'm here on work. You're getting married in a few weeks. So let's not talk about me. This is your vacation! We're supposed to have YOUR bachelorette party out here!"

"That doesn't mean you can't have fun. Ooh, how about him? He's good looking," she pointed out the window as the little cab zoomed past.

"That's enough, that's enough!" Betty laughed, as she swatted Hilda's hand down. The cab slowed as it pulled up in front of a glorious looking hotel. She would REALLY be thanking Daniel. "Oh, it's gorgeous," Betty breathed, as she stepped out and paid the driver. Instantly, a bellman was there to carry their bags. As they entered the foyer, a woman greeted them warmly and took their information. After receiving their key, they eagerly made for the elevator, passing exquisite sculptures and ornate rugs. Their room proved to be more than they could have imagined. Hilda ran around giddily, scooping up the many complimentary items scattered throughout the suite. Betty's attention was drawn to a big bay window on one side of the room. She strode over to look at the view. There in front of her was London, in all its splendor. She could see Big Ben straight ahead, with the Thames giving a beautiful backdrop. Buildings of all shapes and sizes culminated to form a visual feast. London's Eye was in the distance, a place that was on her list of things to visit… if she could make the time. She breathed in the sigh of the contented, turned around, and let herself fall backwards onto the luxurious downy bed. I could definitely get used to this.

Once Hilda had compiled her cache of on-the-house goods, Betty glanced at the clock. It was already 8:30pm London time. In the states it would have only been 3:30. She synchronized her watch so there would be no confusion later. Daniel had managed to get them out to London two days before schedule, so they could soak everything in, visit a few places, and have Betty familiarize herself with the areas that she would be covering fashion shows for. The day was almost over already. Oh well. It still gave her all of tomorrow to explore her surroundings. She was thankful for this assignment in so many ways. For the new experiences, for the added responsibility, for the chance to take her mind off of things….. I'm really moving up. Who would have thought within a couple year's time that I would have turned from assistant to features editor scouting out new designers in London?

Her thoughts drifted to Matt. He was still doing his missionary work. They had exchanged a couple of letters over the course of his absence, and although she missed him, she had felt guilty that she hadn't missed him enough. Many times she had argued with herself. You're not together anymore, Betty. Don't feel guilty……….No, no, I SHOULD feel guilty. We were together for so long.

She had talked about it with Hilda. "You can't plan when you're ready to move on, If you're not missing him much anymore, that's not your fault. It's just you telling you that it's time." The advice had made her feel better, more sure of herself and her choice to close the book. Lately it hadn't been the guilt of her lack of yearning for Matt, but the guilt of being ready for someone to replace him. She had tried to shove the thought away, but Hilda had sensed it, and was more than willing to give her the push she needed to find someone new. She had even been on a couple of dates. Neither of the men had piqued her interest. So now she was vowing to just give it up. If there's the guy, then he'll show up. she told herself. The excitement of the flight had taken more of a toll on her than she had expected, and she felt her eyes grow heavy, allowing sleep to overtake her and bring her into the new day that promised adventure.

Sorry, I know it's short....this is just my first time uploading anything... So totally no experience, and I'm nervous out of my mind.... Please give constructive criticism if you have any thoughts!!! (I was hoping it's not too boring so far!) :)