Countdown: 1 week

Betty and Daniel were waiting at Heathrow for their flight to New York. The airport was busy but not overly busy and although there were a number of people waiting at the gate Daniel figured the flight probably wasn't even full.

Betty was quietly looking out the window. Daniel was fidgety. He pulled out his phone to check if he'd missed any messages…nope; he put it in his pocket. He pulled out his book and tried to read…that wasn't going to happen he realized, as his mind drifted after only reading a couple of sentences; he put it back in his carry-on. He flipped through the carry-on to make sure he had everything: passport…check, boarding pass…check. He pulled out his phone and checked for messages again. He wasn't expecting any, but at least it was something to do. Even as he tried to sit still in the uncomfortable chairs his knee kept bopping. The waiting was driving him crazy. An older woman sitting in the row perpendicular to them was doing a crossword or something and kept looking up at him – probably because he was so obviously restless – maybe it was making her nervous. It was times like this he wished they hadn't had to get rid of the private jet when times had been difficult a few years ago. He was excited, anxious and nervous all rolled into one - not about the flight but about the entire week ahead.

First, there were still some last minute things to do. For example, his mother had just gotten a copy of the seating plan for the reception and she'd made a comment or two over the phone about how she needed to talk to him about it. That alone filled him with dread. He didn't want to spend hours making last minute changes because of stupid family politics, but he knew he was probably going to have to.

And then there was the fact that Bobby and Becks wanted to take him out. That shouldn't have been a concern especially since he'd requested that they not get too crazy. But he'd heard some stories about Bobby's stag and Becks hadn't changed one iota in five years, so the fact was, he wasn't sure his idea of "not too crazy" was the same as theirs and that made him a little nervous. He didn't want to accidentally end up some place Betty would disapprove of and then she'd give him that disappointed look of hers and lecture him about it for days after.

He also had that uncomfortable feeling of forgetting something. He was pretty sure he hadn't because Betty had made lists and he'd checked and double checked his suitcases and carry-on but still the feeling lingered.

He was extremely excited about the actual wedding day. A huge party celebrating something he'd been waiting months for…what wasn't to be excited about? Plus he'd get to see people he hadn't seen for months.

But the thing that was causing most of the fidgeting was the fact that Betty wasn't. She was always full of energy and excitement – especially when they went back to New York - but here they sat waiting for their plane only one week before their wedding and she was calm, pensive, almost serene. It was freaky…and it worried him a little. Was she having doubts and second thoughts?

Finally he couldn't stand it anymore and he had to say something.

"What's going on?" He asked her.

She turned to him questioningly. "Hmm?"

"With you…what's going on with you?" Daniel asked. "You were completely silent the entire cab ride and now you're calmly sitting here looking out the window while we wait for the plane."

"What should I be doing? Fidgeting like you?" She smiled; obviously she'd noticed.

"Yeah…actually." He was blunt.

"And how would that help?" She calmly asked.

He paused for a second thinking about it. "Well it wouldn't help but at least I'd know you were here." He answered.

"I'm here, Daniel." She put her hand on his forearm and smiled at him.

"Did you take something?" He asked.

"What?" She looked confused.

"You know…medication or something. You are unusually calm considering we're going to New York…to get married!"

She chuckled and shook her head. "No, I didn't take anything. We've be planning this for months…why are you freaking out now?"

"Why aren't you?" He threw it back at her.

She shrugged. "I don't know. I just feel…peaceful about it."

Ok…that sounded kind of nice. He relaxed a little, but just a little.

"So that explains why you're not anxious but what about excited - where's the excitement?"

She smiled again. "I'm excited. Would you calm down?"

He took a deep breath. "Are you having second thoughts?"

She looked concerned. "Of course not. Are you?"

"No. But you're just so distant and quiet. You're not your usual energetic self like when we usually fly back to New York." He said.

"What do you mean by that? What am I usually like when we fly back to New York?" She asked.

"You know…" He responded impatiently not expecting he really needed to answer.

She raised her eyebrows questioningly. "No…tell me."

"Hyper, frenzied, strung-out…like you've had too many lattes." He answered, as if it was obvious.

She looked offended and he realized, too late, that it was probably a thought that should never have made it out of his mouth.

"Maybe I get a little excited but I don't act like I've had too many lattes."

"Anyway…" He desperately wanted to change the subject. "Why are you so quiet?"

She shrugged. "I'm just thinking. Do you know the next time we're in this airport we'll be married?"

"Uh…yeah." Daniel didn't understand what she was getting at.

"I'll be someone's wife. It's weird…that's all." She looked up out the window reflectively again.

"Good weird or bad weird?" Daniel had to ask.

She turned to him and cocked her head to the side recognizing his insecurity. "Good weird…don't worry."

She took his hand in one of hers and sighed. "It's funny to be here…at this point in my life. When I was a little girl I wondered if I'd ever get married and have a family…" She turned quickly and looked up at him. "not that I'm quite ready to have a family…yet."

He smiled and squeezed her hand.

"This all seemed so distant and far away back then. And now here we are, flying back to New York and within a week we'll be married. It just makes life seem so short…you know?"

He nodded.

"Anyway," She continued. "they won't call us for boarding for at least another half an hour so why don't you go for a walk and grab something at the café down the terminal a little, to kill some time. Just don't get a coffee unless it's decaf…you're a little jumpy." She grinned.

"Hmph…a little…" The older lady across the way mumbled.

Daniel looked at her and then back to Betty and Betty started to laugh.

"You don't want to come?" He asked.

"No…I'm happy to just sit here and think." She said.

"Well, don't think too hard or you might start to realize what a mistake you're making." He joked.

"Go…just go." She pushed him.

Daniel walked away and Betty smiled at the older lady with the crossword. The lady held her puzzle book up to block her view and crossed her legs, turning away.

Betty grabbed her novel out of her carry-on. Less than half a page in and she was interrupted by a voice that was only vaguely familiar saying her name.

"Betty? Betty Suarez…is that you?"

She looked up to see Sophia Reyes as glamorous and gorgeous as ever. She hadn't seen Sophia for five years – since she'd resigned from MYW as a matter of fact. At that point, she'd lost all respect for Sophia because of what she'd done to Daniel and when she had confronted Sophia, she hadn't minced any words about why she couldn't stay and keep working for her. She couldn't remember the exact conversation but she did remember the emotion behind it and the feeling of betrayal. She knew she accused her of manipulating her, and she basically called her a fake in the course of it too, so it was more than a little awkward running into her.

Sophia looked like she hadn't changed at all and Betty was desperately looking for any sign of change - tiny crows feet, a little weight gain…anything. She was dressed in an above the knee black skirt with a grey blouse topped with a red jacket. The epitome of glamour and professionalism rolled into one – and it was only seven thirty in the morning. Unfortunately Sophia probably looked better than she had five years ago, if that was even possible.

"Sophia. Wow…look at you. You haven't changed a bit." She stood up to greet her politely.

"You certainly have…I almost didn't recognize you." Sophia said.

"Oh…" Betty looked down at her outfit self-consciously suddenly wishing she had put on something a little nicer than her yoga pants and a baggy sweatshirt for the flight. "Well, just some superficial changes."

"Nonsense…you look terrific." Sophia argued and Betty wondered if that was an intentional insult of her past appearance or not.

"What are you doing here?" Betty asked her politely.

Betty had heard that Sophia had left MYW a couple of years ago…something about an opportunity in California.

"I'm actually on my way home. I was covering a Summit in Belgium and this is my connection back to New York before I fly to L.A. I'm living in California now."

"I heard." Betty said. "A new magazine?"

"No…actually I'm on television now."

Of course she was – Betty sighed inwardly.

"It's only an anchor position at a local station but it's good exposure." Sophia said.

Betty nodded.

"And you? What are you doing here?" Sophia asked.

"I'm running a small magazine." Betty said, immediately wondering why she'd added the adjective "small". What was it about Sophia that made Betty feel so insignificant? "But I'm flying back to New York for…uh…a couple of weeks."

It felt odd to mention the wedding which would lead to a dozen questions. Not that Sophia wasn't going to find out within minutes that Betty was with Daniel because apparently fate had a good sense of humour and the woman was on their flight.

"Your own magazine…good for you Betty. I knew that you just needed to get out of Mode and away from being Daniel Meade's assistant, and you'd find your own feet."

"Uh…yeah." Betty said evasively.

From Betty's vantage point she had a clear view over Sophia's shoulder down the corridor and she could see Daniel approaching – two cups of coffee in hand – completely oblivious to the web he was walking into. She felt anxious for him. He hadn't seen Sophia for as long as Betty had and as awkward as it was for Betty, it would be ten times worse for Daniel.

"You're not alone?" Sophia interrupted Betty's thoughts as she indicated Daniel's carry-on sitting beside her own on the floor.

"Um…no." Betty shook her head realizing now there was no escaping this uncomfortable situation.

She looked back over Sophia's shoulder but didn't see Daniel anymore. That was odd, but he was fairly far away when she first spotted him so maybe he'd ducked into another shop?

"Oh my goodness…Betty Suarez…you are engaged." Sophia said it as if it would be news to Betty. She noticed the ring and she grabbed Betty's left hand and looked at it. "Mmm…lovely. Someone has a good job."

Betty pulled her hand back uncomfortably. "Yeah…you could say that."

She looked back down the corridor but there was still no sign of him. She subtly glanced a little to the right, toward the book store directly across from the gate. Was that a coffee cup? Yes, she saw the edge of a coffee cup sticking out from behind the magazine rack. It could be anyone…it didn't have to be him. Then she saw the corner of his head and one eye, peeking around the edge. She had to smile. Not only was it him, he wasn't looking at the magazines, he was hiding out. Obviously he saw Sophia standing here and he'd opted for the avoidance approach. She realized that probably shouldn't have caught her by surprise. It was a little comforting to see that at least a part of Daniel hadn't really changed that much. It was too bad that the hiding was all for naught because he was going to have to face his demons eventually anyway…or maybe demoness was more appropriate.

Sophia interrupted her thoughts again. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I really need to make a quick pit stop before boarding. But I look forward to meeting this fiancé of yours when I get back."

Betty just nodded.

Sophia had no sooner turned the corner into the Ladies' room when Daniel made his appearance.

"Man…that was close. Sorry to leave you to fend for yourself, I just did not want to see her today…or any day, actually." He handed her a coffee.

Betty scrunched her nose and said regretfully "She's on our flight."

She sat down. Daniel looked stunned for a second and then a slow grin spread across his face and he shook his head before he took a sip of his coffee.

"Good one - you almost had me." He sat down too.

"No, Daniel…I'm serious. She's on our flight." Betty was firm.

Daniel looked stunned again, and then he whimpered a little. Finally he said "Really?"

Betty nodded sympathetically. "But it doesn't really matter…right? Water under the bridge and all that. I mean…you've been married once…you're getting married again."

"Oh my God…I sound like a big serial proposer. You know…the guy that asks every woman he meets to marry him."

"No…I don't think I've heard of that guy." Betty said, wanting to laugh but realizing that he was serious.

"I couldn't really tell…does she look the same?" Daniel asked.

"Exactly…maybe better." Betty was honest.

Daniel sighed.

"But so do you." She smiled at him. "And you are better now then you were back then – kinder, sweeter."

Daniel smiled at her.

"Did you tell her about us?" He asked.

"No. But it's only a matter of time…probably seconds now. Only seconds and then your glamorous, gorgeous ex-fiancé will know about your new fiancé." Betty sighed and took a large swig of coffee almost as comfort.

"Don't do that." Daniel put his hand on her knee.

"What?"

"That insecure thing you're doing. Believe me Betty, you are a thousand times the woman Sophia Reyes is…in all ways." He smiled at her.

She forced a smile. "How come I can't do the insecure thing but you can?" She accused him.

"I'm not insecure."

Betty gave him a look.

"Really, I'm not. My life is great. I have a beautiful soon-to-be-wife that I love, and a great job that I love." He smiled.

"You sure didn't sound that way a minute ago…all secure in who you've become."

"It's just running into an ex. You know what it's like?"

She nodded.

"And with this ex it's particularly awkward…you know…because of the televised humiliation and all." He added.

Betty recognized how vulnerable he felt remembering it so she grabbed his free hand. "Sophia was stupid. She has no idea what she gave up. But if it's any consolation…I'm really glad she did." She smiled and leaned over, giving him a gentle kiss.

"Daniel Meade!" Betty heard from behind her.

They looked up to see a bewildered Sophia looking at them. She didn't speak for a few seconds.

"Betty…I'm assuming this is…uh…your fiancé? Either that or you've got some explaining to do to someone." Sophia said when she finally found her voice.

"Yeah." Betty looked apologetic. "It just felt weird to bring it up."

Sophia nodded. "Well, I can understand why." She paused. "I have to say: I did not see this coming."

Daniel stood up. "Sophia…it's…um…nice to see you." He said politely but didn't extend his hand or anything.

"You don't have to pretend Daniel. I'm well aware how awkward this is for all of us. I guess I should offer you my congratulations on your engagement."

"Uh…yeah. Actually we've been engaged a while now, the wedding is Saturday." Daniel answered.

"Saturday! Oh." She looked like she was processing it. "So that's why you're flying back to New York." She said to Betty.

Betty nodded.

"So Betty tells me she's running a magazine." Sophia said to Daniel.

"Yeah." He smiled at Betty. "It's a fantastic publication, thanks to her." He put his hand on her shoulder.

"And you? What are you doing in London?" Sophia asked him.

"I'm working for an advertising firm." Daniel answered.

"Advertising?" Sophia seemed confused.

"Yeah…you know…print ads, radio ads, television ads." Daniel explained unnecessarily.

"I know what advertising agencies do, Daniel. I'm just a little surprised. It seems a step down that's all."

Betty felt the need to interject. "Daniel wanted to get away from Mode and Meade. To branch out and see was he could do on his own."

Sophia nodded but still looked confused and not that impressed. "So you came to London to do advertising?"

"Actually, I came to London to be with Betty." He corrected her. "I could do advertising anywhere."

Sophia started to look like she finally understood. "You two seem very happy." She commented politely.

"Thanks…we are." Betty smiled at Daniel.

"And it seems like you have changed quite a lot Daniel – no longer the superficial, self absorbed playboy you once were – seeing as you're engaged to Betty and all."

Betty ignored the insult to herself, for the most part, because she wasn't sure if it was an insult or not. But she couldn't ignore the comments about Daniel despite the truth in them, mainly because they came from Sophia…talk about nerve.

"You know what, Sophia? There was always a lot more to Daniel than you saw…probably because you were too busy with your own selfish schemes and opportunistic ladder climbing you didn't have your eyes open." She said trying to stay calm. "And frankly, I'm glad that you couldn't see it because he is far too good for you and it would have been a colossal shame if he'd been saddled with you for the rest of his life."

Sophia looked shocked and wounded. Daniel just looked shocked. He put his hand on Betty's shoulder to try and calm her down but she was finished – she'd said all that she'd wanted to.

Thankfully, as if on cue, the voice on the loudspeaker called for boarding rows in first class.

"I guess that's us." Daniel said to Betty who was still looking defiantly at Sophia. "You too?" He asked Sophia.

"No…I'm in business class." She commented and Daniel nodded.

Betty stood up and grabbed her carry-on.

"Nice to see you again." Daniel said politely. "Right Betty?" He was obviously encouraging some civility.

"Um…yeah." Betty nodded awkwardly and Sophia returned the nod.

As they walk toward the desk Daniel leaned down and whispered "Aren't you glad I convinced you to upgrade this time?"

Betty smiled feebly, still a little shaken. She never took any pleasure in confrontation like that and she really hated being rude even if Sophia did deserve it. He elbowed her playfully as he handed their I.D and boarding passes to the attendant.

"Come on…you're not going to let that take the excitement out of this trip, are you?"

She smiled more sincerely that time. "No I guess not."

The walked onto the plane and Betty took her seat; Daniel stuffed their jackets in the overhead bin and then sat down with her.

"God, you're hot when you're feisty…and even hotter when you're defending me like that." He grinned. "I have to admit, I'm a little turned on right now."

"Daniel…" Betty blushed.

"It's true. I keep wondering if there's any way I can convince you to sneak into the bathroom with me once we're in the air."

She looked at him trying to figure out if he was joking or not. Given it was Daniel…probably not.

He continued. "And it's partly the fact that I realize how lucky I am. I could have ended up with her…I mean if it hadn't all been fake on her part and everything. And then I would never be here right now, with you. I am so incredibly lucky to have you – Sophia cannot hold a candle to you."

Betty looked at him. "Right…I can see that – what with that fantastic body, and perfect face of hers." Betty said sarcastically.

"I'm serious. You are beautiful and adorable and wow…so hot. But there is so much more to you than that too."

"Is it the huge over-sized sweatshirt that used to be yours, the messy pony tail or the lack of make-up?" Betty asked, still not convinced.

"It's just you…all of you." He said seriously taking her hand and the look he gave her made her believe him.

She looked down at the floor bashfully. It's amazing that they'd been together well over a year now but sometimes the way he looked at her was so intense she still had to look away.

"Now…" He leaned closer, a mischievous grin on his face. "…about that bathroom…"