Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. You are also fantastic. Keep an eye on the dates as always because we will keep moving forward.

This is a text message chapter. Please note you will not be seeing every text message or conversation going on in this universe. Justin and Austin can fill up a thousand pages all on their own. Especially now that there that they are in different countries. It's been two decades since I was their age, but I do remember. You will only be seeing the stuff that is pertinent to the story.

We don't want to have to go through 20 chapters for a whole week again. I enjoy writing that, but it's not necessary. One advantage the first story had was I kept pace with the show, which kept me moving at a nice clip. Now there are all these different places I want to look at. There is a temptation to wander. If I want to actually finish this story before the 15th anniversary of Ugly Betty, I need to focus on the essential elements.

There will be a text message key at the end of the chapter. That way, you can see if you can figure out who's talking without it. It will be fun.

Chapter 40: From London with Love and Frustration

June 27, 2010, 12 AM EDT

Fashion King: Hey, I'm here In London. I landed about an hour ago, but I finally have made my way to my aunt and Daniel.

Fashion King: I miss you. I would send you a selfie, but I look awful. My traveling outfit did not make it, and my eyes are all puffy.

BF Austin: You always look hot.

Fashion King: Too tired for that now. Couldn't sleep on the plane. Jet lag sucks. I'm going to sleep in the car; I will send "I'm OK" messages to mom and Marc when I wake up. But if you can tell them I'm OK, that would be lovely.

BF Austin: I will. I'm so happy that I'm your one text message. I miss you too. It's going to be lonely without you. Even if it's just for two months.

Fashion King: I promise to text you all the time. And call because Daniel got me a good international calling plan. You better keep me up to date on what's going on at Mode. As well as with the ball. That is the closest thing I get to prom, and it needs to be perfect.

Fashion King: Unless you decide not to do Mode Academy with the rest of us. You should, though.

BF Austin: I don't know if I'm going to be allowed, but I want to do the program with you. Monique says she's willing to let me do another magazine. Mom is still thinking about it. Go to sleep. Text me in the morning.

Fashion King: OK. Miss you.

XXX

Sunday, June 27, 2010, 3:21 AM EDT

Unknown number: Hey, this is Mandy. I thought you would want to know that Justin got here safely. He fell asleep texting Austin in the car. So the welcome to London brunch is a bust.

Unknown number: Betty and Daniel were really annoyed that they had to carry him upstairs. I didn't help because I am still very pregnant. Also, there were cinnamon buns. Your god babies like cinnamon buns.

Unknown number: Hey, sorry long time, no text message. I had to get a new phone that Matt doesn't have access to. He kind of text me nonstop on the ride here. So this should be the new Mandy Cakes number.

Unknown number: I may have tossed my old phone out the window.

Unknown number: I know I could have replied to one of your many emails, but I just wasn't ready to have a conversation with you yet. I was still licking my wounds after the Matt break up.

Unknown number: I think this wins for worst breakup I ever had mostly because I had to leave the country. Which is saying something, considering I had to get a restraining order once before.

Unknown number: Although I heard your last boyfriend is currently in "mental health rehab" and managed to get us evicted. Or maybe that was you punching Matt.

Unknown number: Thank you for that. I wish somebody got video because that would have been nice. It would be my happy moment. I need a moment of happiness right now.

Marc: So, you finally decide to let me know that you're OK in London. You are actually OK and in London?

Mandy cakes: Yes. I'm even throwing up less.

Mark: Good to know. Although, I wouldn't have seen this until morning if baby Jade was still with Jody. She came back a day earlier than planned because my lawyers are so good to me. Your god baby must absolutely have a bottle at 3 AM.

Mandy cakes: I'm not used to the time difference yet. It's weird being so many hours ahead. How are you adapting to having a 3-month-old?

Marc: Surprisingly, well. I've read every book that you left me. Thankfully, I have yet to have a parenting freak out induced asthma attack. Also, Cliff and I have a system for 3 AM feedings. Today's my day.

Mandy cakes: That's good. I'm glad you and Cliff have a system. I'm happy he's there even if I can't be. I'm sorry about that.

Marc: Since this is going to become permanent, we might start looking for a 3 bedroom. Although that could mean leaving Manhattan.

Mandy cakes: That wouldn't be so horrible. There would be somewhere where Jade could play, which might be useful. You should talk to Ignacio. He's not sure if he's going to sell the house in Queens or rent it out. He would probably give you a good deal either way.

Marc: You're actually suggesting I moved to Queens? Is this really Amanda? You were entirely against that when you were looking for houses with him.

Mandy cakes: You can say his name. It was a bad break up, but I'm not going to refer to Matt as he who should not be named for the rest of my life. I'm moving forward.

Marc: But it's still hard, and personally, I prefer not to use his name. He did force you to move to another country.

Mandy cakes That's fair. You're right before I didn't want to even think about moving to Queens with Matt. I think that was because I knew I couldn't trust what we had. If it was right, I would've moved to the other side of the world like Daniel did for Betty. I think a part of me knew it wasn't right.

Marc: Which you did, to London. Did you do that just to get away from Matt or because Daniel is there?

Mandy cakes: Maybe both. Daniel actually wants to be a dad. Raising the kids with Daniel feels like the right thing. Are you mad about me leaving for London? I knew you would be angry about that.

Marc: I'm not mad at you.

Mandy cakes: But you're mad at somebody?

Marc: Mostly, your idiotic ex-boyfriend. I just wish you would have talk things over with me before leaving. Or at least sent me a text message when you got there.

Mandy cakes: I was planning to do that. It was even why I looked at my phone after I got off the plane. Then I saw 40 some messages from Matt, where he acted like nothing was wrong. It was perfectly OK for him to assume I was fucking around on him in Matt's mind. In contrast, Daniel knew I was lying to protect him. I ended up throwing the phone out the window before I could text you. It was a few days before I got a new one. Sorry.

Marc: Idiot. I understand. I did punch him.

Marc: But that's still not an excuse for not calling or sending a text. I'm sure Daniel or Betty would have let you use theirs. I've actually spoken to both of them in the last 2 weeks.

Mandy cakes: Work stuff?

Marc: A little. Mostly, thank Daniel for paying for the custody lawyers and taking care of the consequences of punching Matt.

Mandy cakes: I think he enjoyed that.

Marc: He definitely enjoyed it. Betty has me organizing a going-away party for her father because I am her only friend that's still here. She's not on speaking terms with her sister at the moment. It will probably be in late July or early August.

Mandy cakes: I know. Betty tried to call Hilda to tell her that Justin was here, and she didn't pick up. I feel like this is all because of me. I feel horrible because it's like I'm making things even worse for them.

Marc: I think her dad moving to California is the problem, not you. That's the impression I got Monday. Also, it is really late here.

Mandy cakes: I think you said something about that in your letter.

Marc: You read my emails?

Mandy cakes: They kept me sane during the first few days. Although I haven't heard from you since Monday. I assumed you were probably busy with custody stuff?

Marc: Yes. I agreed to Jodi's proposal, and Cliff and I are raising Jade together. It took a lot of time to work everything out with her army of lawyers.

Mandy cakes: But I'm glad you did.

Marc: I also came across your text message to Cliff with your new phone number.

Mandy cakes: Oh

Marc: However, Justin cannot keep a secret if his life depended on it, and he told me that you were having trouble writing to me. If I didn't hear from you by Monday, I would text you lots of baby pictures. She's wearing the outfit you left her.

Mandy cakes: I want lots of baby pictures. I have to send you some of Becks's daughter Bently. I met her last week. She's adorable.

Marc: Becks again? Wait, he has a kid.

Mandy cakes: Birth-control mishap involving antibiotics. Apparently, she's a stone-cold Bitch. It took a year to work out a decent custody arrangement.

Marc: Did she use access to his daughter to keep him from pressing rape charges? Because if not, then that distinction still goes to Jody.

Mandy cakes: I hate Jody so much.

Mandy cakes: It's not like that. You know we are friends. I'm taking a break from men for a while.

Marc: You had sex with a lot of your friends. That's pretty much how you ended up pregnant. I'm one of the few you haven't. I'm pretty sure you've propositioned Betty a few times.

Mandy cakes: Not recently. Too pregnant. Although Daniel's Co-EIC says it will probably happen during the third trimester. Apparently, that's the horny trimester.

Marc: Which you will have Becks for.

Mandy cakes: No. He has a crush on Candy. Actually, more than a crush because I caught him walking to the driveway this morning before leaving for Justin's welcome to London brunch.

Marc: I missed these conversations with you. This almost feels normal.

Mandy cakes: Next time you're up for a 3 AM feeding, send me a message. It will be 9 AM here. I want to know more about what's going on with you and Cliff.

Marc: We have agreed to be co-parents to an adorable 3-month-old. That's it for right now. Jade is our priority.

Marc: After the disaster that was Troy, I think I need a break from dating for a while.

Mandy cakes: I get that. I'm definitely taking a break after Matt. I just want to focus on getting through the end of my pregnancy. I have a checkup next week.

Marc: I expect ultrasound pictures.

Mandy cakes: Of course.

Marc: Also, I'm coming to London when you have the babies. We are working on getting Jade a passport now.

Mandy cakes: I look forward to seeing my niece and your new boyfriend. Even if I will be cursing Daniel's name in effigy.

Marc: We are friends and co-parents. That's it.

Mandy cakes: Even though you're still completely in love with him?

Marc: You can totally co-parent with somebody you used to be in love with. You're doing it with Daniel.

Mandy cakes: I still love Daniel, just not in the jump him sort of way.

Marc: I'm getting everything but the sex. Oddly I don't miss that much because of everything else.

Mandy cakes: The other stuff is nice. Also, I bought some new toys, so it's OK. Toys can never break your heart.

Marc: Or go crazy and spray paint expletives on the side of your apartment and get you evicted.

Mandy cakes: This is true.

Marc: Jade's asleep again; I'll talk to you later.

Mandy cakes: OK. I have to take notes in a meeting for Betty anyway. I'm too pregnant for that.

Xxx

"Why are you smiling?" Cliff whispered as he lifted Jade out of Marc's arms. Marc is glad Cliff got up because he wasn't sure how he would get out of the rocking chair without waking the baby up again. That already happened a few days ago.

"Amanda finally sent me a text message."

"Good. I hate keeping secrets from you."

"You're also horrible at it. I saw you saving Amanda's new number on your phone. I was going to call her tomorrow if I didn't hear from her before then."

"And you couldn't tell me that?" Cliff said as he placed Jade back in her bassinet. It was set up in Marc's room right now. They will have to get Williams crib out of storage later. That may not be until they get a bigger place. "I hate panicking over nothing."

"I was just glad she was in contact with somebody," Marc tells him.

"I think she was just worried that you would be mad at her for leaving."

"I'm not mad at her. I'm angry at the idiot ex-boyfriend but not her. I think she gets that now. It feels like the old days." Marc smiled.

"I'm glad. Go back to sleep. I'll make pancakes in the morning, and then you can text Amanda pictures as proof that you're actually eating." Cliff joked.

"I was never that bad." Cliff just glares at him.

"OK, maybe I was, but babies require energy, so I will be eating."

"Definitely," Cliff said as he blew a kiss to a sleeping Jade. For probably the 50th time that week, Marc push down the urge to kiss Cliff. Jade comes first.

Xxxxx

Still June 27, 2010. 6 PM London time.

Number one son: Hey, mom, I'm here. Yes, Daniel and Betty did get me from the airport way too early this morning. Amanda told me that Aunt Betty tried to call you this morning to let you know I was OK, but you didn't actually pick up the phone.

Hilda: Because it was midnight. I would've called her back eventually. Amanda is living there too? I don't know if I feel comfortable with that.

Number one son: It's one big poly relationship. Do you have a problem with that?

Hilda: What!

Number one son: Obviously, you do.

Number one son: No, I don't think they're actually in a poly relationship. Amanda doesn't actually live with them. She lives with Candy. She was there this morning because we were supposed to do brunch, but I fell asleep on the ride home.

Hilda: I wouldn't have a problem if your aunt had a girlfriend.

Number one son: Only if she still had a boyfriend at the same time?

Number one son: Fortunately for you, Amanda is just Aunt Betty's temporary assistant and best friend right now. Her last assistant ended up getting a promotion, so Amanda's filling in until she can find someone new.

Hilda: I think I would find the girlfriend thing more reassuring. You don't hire the other woman to be your assistant. You definitely don't become friends.

Number one son: You really need to get over whatever you're mad about. Daniel wasn't even with Aunt Betty when he got Amanda pregnant. She was with Matt even though we all knew better.

Number one son: Either you're mad because Daniel is stepping up in a way my dad never did, or you're angry that Amanda is still pregnant when you're not. But you shouldn't be taking that out on Aunt Betty or anyone else.

Number one son: Mode has excellent therapy benefits. I'm sure you qualify now that you're a staff hair stylus. Maybe you should see someone.

Hilda: Marc suggested the same thing Monday. I'm not upset about Amanda still being pregnant, even though I have a miscarriage. I'm over that.

Number one son: OK. I don't want to argue about that. I have to get ready for my first day of work Tuesday. Daniel is let me take tomorrow off to get used to the time difference, at least. Although I don't think my six-hour nap today helped that much.

Hilda: That's good. You will behave for your aunt and uncle.

Number one son: Yes. Also, I'm on keeping DJ from moping duty.

XXXX

Monday, June 28, 2010, 12:33 AM London time.

Junior fashionista: Hey, just letting you know I am safe in London. Sorry I didn't text yesterday. Apparently, I fell asleep in the car while texting Austin.

Junior fashionista: OK, and then after a bizarre exchange with my mom, I ended up texting Austin for a while. He reminded me that at least I don't have his stepdad.

Marc: Amanda texted me. Austin did too. It's fine.

Junior fashionista: Oh good, she finally texted you. That will make sending you pictures easier. This house is so beautiful. The garden looks like something out of Notting Hill.

Junior fashionista: Amanda is not living here, but she is here a lot, according to DJ. They're kind of surprised the paparazzi hasn't picked up on that. Although that might be because she wears her hair up now and is almost back to her real hair color.

Marc: It makes it easier for her to throw up.

Marc: You're planning to send me lots of pictures? Because I do want lots of pictures. You're going to have to take over doing Amanda's pregnancy scrapbook for me.

Junior fashionista: I think Daniel will if you asked. Actually, I think he started his own.

Marc: Probably. I still want to know what's going on. I hate being here away from her. I hate that she ran away because of Matt.

Junior fashionista: Would it make you feel better to know that she's really happy here. We had dinner together yesterday, and it kind of felt like one big family. It was nice.

Marc: That does actually make me feel better. But I still want pictures and videos.

Junior fashionista: Also, I'm not sure how reliable Austin will be for Mode gossip.

Marc: Probably not. I think Monique is going to send him to Player. In addition to working on the black-and-white ball with Matt. Mo believes he will be a better fit there. We talked about it today. We have a brunch meeting on a Sunday. Honestly, I think it was just an excuse to try out the new breakfast menu at Gio's place and for her to play with the baby. She adores Jade.

Junior fashionista: Actually, I think he would like that. They do sports articles or at least interviews with a lot of athletes.

Marc: Even more so now that Hudson is being consolidated. Mode is getting all the fashion editors, and Player is getting pretty much everyone else. So more athlete profiles to come.

Junior fashionista: Player will definitely be even better now. I think Austin only agreed to come to Mode for the summer because I was supposed to be there for most of July. That way, we could hang out together without having to worry about the stepdad. He really doesn't like me at all now.

Marc: That doesn't surprise me. Monique did say something about appeasing homophobic stepfathers. Mo was cranky when she was talking about it.

Junior fashionista: That completely explains why he hates me.

Marc: That's not your fault. You're not responsible for the stupidity of others. Just be supportive of Austin. He's going to need you a lot.

Junior fashionista: I know, and yet I'm over here. I hate being so far from Austin, and it hasn't even been 48 hours yet.

Marc: I know, but this is an important opportunity for you. I would have loved to have gone a firsthand look at the international fashion scene when I was 16. I even managed to convince Daniel to take you to the Mode Paris offices at least once. In the meantime, Cliff and I will keep an eye on him.

Junior fashionista: Thank you.

Marc: When do you start in the office? Do you know what you'll be doing?

Junior fashionista: Tuesday, Daniel wants me to rest up. Plus, I want to look at everybody's work before actually getting there. I'm going through some back issues.

Marc: Didn't you collaborate with Sumreen during the emergency "put the magazine back together because of Pratt" thing after the wedding?

Junior fashionista: Yes, which might be why the entire office will not automatically assume that I'm just there because my aunt is sleeping with the EIC. Well, one of the EICs. Sumreen was promoted.

Junior fashionista: Starting with the next issue, she'll be Daniels equal.

Marc: He's always been way too nice.

Junior fashionista: That's what he has me for.

Junior fashionista: How are things at Mode?

Marc: Not that different from when they were at your going away party Friday. Although Jade really does not like the folding play pin in my office right now. I'm trying to do a few things from home this weekend. I can't wait until the nursery space is done.

Junior fashionista: When will that be? Are you guys going to be looking for a bigger place?

Mark: Two more weeks. Although it's going to be more of a communal Mode daycare if we get additional babies. Although oddly enough, I'm the only person with a kid under five right now.

Junior fashionista: And will be for a little longer anyway. I'm delighted that Antonella won't have to use it anytime soon.

Marc: So is Monique.

Marc: Let me know how your first day goes.

Junior fashionista: I will.

XXXX

Same time, different account.

MTS: I talked to Marc yesterday. It went well; he doesn't hate me.

MTS: So, you don't have to worry about telling him where I am.

Monique: He could have mentioned this before brunch this morning. Although, I'm glad he knows. I told you you had nothing to worry about.

MTS: Marc wants to come to London when the babies are born.

Monique: I'll arrange for leave. Although this means I'm going to have to stay behind, so I better get video.

MTS: You will. Sorry I didn't text you earlier. I got distracted because Mommy Meade sent a bunch of stuff for the wedding. We were discussing the color scheme.

Monique: It's not even going to be until Christmas. It's too soon. We're still dealing with the wedding hangover from my wedding. Let me do a few baby showers before I go near a wedding again, starting with Marc and Brittany.

MTS: Daniel and Betty feel the same way. They are trying to come up with a way to convince them to wait until Christmas 2011 for the wedding. Daniel doesn't want to be raising newborns and planning a wedding. But he's afraid Hilda will freak out if he says that.

Monique: He is right. He's also right about Hilda. Although I think I have an idea to get, it changed to boxing day 2011. I know that he really liked the venue where my wedding was supposed to take place, and thanks to the Pyro, it probably won't be available this Christmas.

MTS: But next year may be available, which would be so much better. The babies would at least be up and walking by then.

Monique: We must have the two babies in the wedding. Jade and baby Lexis was the best part of my wedding.

MTS: The twins have to be a part of their dad's wedding. Yes, they were the best part of your wedding.

Monique: Are you really doing OK in London?

MTS: Better than I thought I would be. Although I decide I don't have the energy to do the fashion seminar. I am too pregnant. Otherwise, it's been a good week. I think the press really doesn't care anymore. I think one of the Royals did something stupid.

Monique: Byron successfully convinced fashion TV not to do an hour-long special about Daniel getting the daughter of his father's long time mistress pregnant. Actually, I think it was going to be about Meade sex scandals in general, but he talked them down.

MTS: I should send Byron a gift basket.

Monique: Already taking care of. Spa weekend for him and the wife with me volunteering to babysit. I think I'm having Antonella do the babysitting. Hilda has suggested a scared straight approach to the close call. Along with all the therapy for the guilt-induced pseudo-pregnancy.

MTS: Thank you. Also, I think I managed to get most of the office not to hate Betty or at least consider going to her party on the fourth. If she can work with the woman who her boyfriend got pregnant, then she isn't horrible.

Monique: Or they all assume you guys are in a poly relationship.

MTS: Unfortunately, Betty is horribly straight. I tried, although not recently.

Monique: LOL. For shame. But they don't know that.

MTS: It's best that way.

Monique: I have to go. My new business partner has decided that we are having the Mode Fourth of July party at the new restaurant as an unofficial launch event. Of course, she doesn't tell me about this until we're about a week away. Willie is trying to squeeze in as many celebrities as she can.

MTS: Just remember this is better than Sourdough Girl.

Monique: Only because, unlike Dominique, I don't think Wilhelmina wants me dead. At least usually. Although every once in a while, I think Wilhelmina has these moments of homicidal rage.

MTS: Do you think she would have one of those homicidal rage moments if I asked you to invite Spencer to the party? I thank he's a little lonely with me being in London. I know he's friends with your mom and she will probably be there.

Monique: Along with the Bitch because we are playing nice. I was planning to invite Spencer anyway. I think this will be the perfect moment of Matt torture. I'm looking for new avenues with Justin now being in London.

MTS: I should discourage this, but I won't. I'm still a little angry at him for everything. Just send pictures.

Monique: This is why I miss you.

MTS: I miss you too. But I'm sure you'll figure out a way to come to London soon.

Monique: Of course, I am. What type of friend would I be if I wasn't?

To be continued.

Amanda: MTS and Mandy cakes

Justin: number one son, Junior fashionista, and Fashion King.

Everyone else has something close to their actual name. I use to use me as an email designation, but I don't anymore. Also, that is because these messages are being seen from the perspective of their phone.