Endurance

The ceremony is set to begin as the guests are all seated in the sanctuary, which is decked with white floral decor and ribbons. The room is silent.

Michael takes a deep breath as he waits for the bridal procession to begin. Steven, standing beside him, pats him on the shoulder.

Steven- Remember what we talked about.

Michael nods, keeping his gaze onto the aisle. He hides all of his emotions, except for one. Michael is discontent, and he is ready to get this ceremony over with.

Mitchell and Marsha, both of Michael's parents, watch Michael with concern. Marsha has a confused look on her face. She taps Mitchell on his leg.

Marsha- Mitch, he looks sad. What's wrong?

Mitchell- I'll tell you later.

Marsha sighs anxiously. She watches as Michael keeps his gaze onto the altar. Michael notices Marsha staring at him, and then he redirects his attention to the aisle.

Michael notices Jamie seated in one of the pews. Jamie stares at Michael with concern for him. She sighs anxiously, watching as Michael stares back at her.

"The Bridal Procession" is being played from the church's pipe organ. Everyone's attention shifts to the back of the sanctuary.

Melanie Beeks, Abby's mother, is walking down the aisle alone. Melanie is dressed in a beautiful white dress, matching heels, and a pearl necklace. She gives Michael a warm smile as she walks down the aisle. Michael forces himself to contain all of his negative emotions after finding out what Melanie's youngest daughter has done. He smiles back.

Moments later, one-by-one, the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, starting with Monica. Monica smiles at Michael as she walks down the aisle. Michael does not smile back. He tries his hardest not to glare at her.

Moments later, Carla makes her way down the aisle. Carla gives Michael a sinister smirk. Steven and Doug watch as Carla makes her way towards the altar, and they whisper to each other discreetly.

Moments later, Becky makes her way down the aisle. Becky is not smiling at all. As she makes her way down the aisle, she stares at Michael with concern for him. Michael reads the sadness in Becky's eyes.

Finally, the maid of honor, Shelly makes her way down the aisle. She also isn't smiling. She is trying her hardest to stay calm and collected. She sees the pain in Michael's eyes, and she give him an expression as if to say, "Good luck." Once Shelly reaches the altar and stands next to Becky, she leans towards her.

Shelly- (Whispering to Becky) I think he knows. I see it in his eyes.

The guests start clamoring with joy as they watch the flower girl and ring bearer walk down the aisle. The flower girl throws white rose pedals onto the floor. The ring bearer carries both wedding rings on a small white pillow, and he is careful not to drop them.

"The Bridesmaid Procession" ends. "Bridal Chorus" begins. Everyone in the pews stands up and looks to the back of the sanctuary. Everyone sees Abby being escorted by her father, Lawrence Beeks. Abby is wearing a very beautiful white wedding dress. Lawrence is escorting her down the aisle. The tail of Abby's dress is being dragged on the carpet covered with rose pedals.

Michael does his very best to contain all of his negative emotions again. He keeps his gaze on Abby, who smiles at him as if nothing happened. Abby, completely oblivious to Michael's revelation, is very calm and confident on the outside. Deep down inside, she is a train-wreck.

Abby and Lawrence finally make it to the altar. The room is completely silent.

Michael can't take his eyes off of Abby. Abby smiles at Michael. Michael is calm on the outside. He is fuming on the inside. He is hiding his emotions very well.

The officiant walks to the microphone stand.

Officiant- Family and friends, thank you all for coming today to share in this wonderful occasion. Today we are here together to unite Abigail Beeks and Michael Lewis in marriage, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, since the first man and the first woman walked on the earth. Therefore; it is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this holy estate, these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

A quiet cough is heard through the sanctuary. Abby is seemingly annoyed by the small noise. Doug is snickering, and Steven elbows him on the arm.

Doug- (quietly) What?

Officiant- Who presents Abigail to be married to Michael?

Lawrence- I do.

Abby smiles, and she kisses her father on the cheek. He helps her onto the altar, and then he walks to his seat next to Melanie in the front left pew of the sanctuary.

Melanie stands before Michael, smiling at him. Michael is stoically staring back.

Officiant- Do you Abigail, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

Abby- (smiles) I do.

Abby continues smiling at Michael. Lawrence and Melanie smile at Abby.

Officiant- Do you Michael, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

Michael continues staring at Abby with a stoic expression.

Steven and Doug watch nervously, awaiting Michael's answer.

Jamie is now anxious as she continues to watch.

Abby's smile now turns to concern. Michael's eyes pierce Abby's eyes.

To Be Continued...