Endurance

Anticipation continues to build as everyone waits for Michael to answer. Everyone is completely silent. Michael continues staring into Abby's eyes. Abby is now awkwardly staring back.

Abby- (Smiles awkwardly) Michael, you're supposed to say, "I do."

Officiant- Michael?

Michael looks out into the sanctuary. Lawrence is growing impatient, while Melanie is anxious. Jamie sighs nervously.

Michael turns his attention back to Abby, this time, revealing a very angry expression on his face.

Michael- I don't.

A loud gasp fills the sanctuary, followed by a loud chatter from the guests.

Abby- What?!

Steven and Doug discreetly bump fists. Monica and Carla watch awkwardly. Shelly lowers her head. Becky sighs in relief. Jamie tries to hide her smile. Lawrence is now visibly angry. Melanie is stunned.

Mitchell lets out a proud smile while Marsha is in complete shock.

Abby- Michael, what are you doing?

Michael- Finally being a man and standing up to you.

Michael pulls his cell phone out of his pocket, and he hoists it in the air.

Michael- (facing the guests) There is no way in hell I'm going to marry this woman! She cheated on me at her bachelorette party with a male stripper.

Loud gasps fill the room. Shelly flops her arms in disbelief, and she shakes her head in disgust.

Melanie- (stunned) Abby!

Michael- Don't worry, Abby. I know you weren't alone in this act. Your two toxic friends, Monica and Carla, were also in on it! (facing Monica and Carla) You two never liked me in the beginning!

Monica- (screams) Fuck you! Abby could do so much better than you!

Carla- Yeah, she only chose you because she felt sorry for you!

Shelly- Hey, you two bitches better leave him alone if you know what's good for you!

Becky- Don't try it, girls.

Monica and Carla quietly back down.

Lawrence- (points at Michael) You dumb son of a bitch! You just humiliated my daughter! I should come up there and kick your ass!

Melanie- Lawrence, stop!

Mitchell- Lawrence, you lay one hand on my son, and I'll tear you a new asshole!

Lawrence- Fuck you!

Mitchell- Fuck you!!

Melanie- Guys, stop it! Please!

Jamie is covering her ears as the arguing continues. She is in complete disbelief. Meanwhile, Doug is recording everything on his phone.

Lawrence- (still screaming at Mitchell) Your punk-ass son just embarrassed my daughter!

Michael- Why don't you do something then, Lawrence?! It's no surprise that you're okay with your daughter cheating on me. You would justify it considering that you cheated on Melanie with your secretary a few weeks ago! I saw you and her together!

A loud gasp fills the room. Lawrence is now feeling the heat drawn onto him. All eyes are on him. The room is once again completely silent. Shelly is now stunned, as is Becky. Abby is mortified.

Abby- Daddy?!!

Shelly- Dad, how could you?!

Melanie- Larry, look at me.

Lawrence, driven by guilt, can't bear to look at Melanie. Michael is now deeply concerned for Melanie.

Melanie- Larry!

Lawrence finally turns his attention to Melanie. He sighs with great fear. Melanie is scowling at him, and now her eyes are filled with tears.

Melanie- Is this true?

Lawrence- I can explain--

Melanie- (interrupts) Is this true, Larry?!

Lawrence looks in Abby's direction. Abby is completely mortified. He turns his attention to Shelly, and she is now angry. Lawrence finally turns his attention to Melanie, and then he lowers his head.

Lawrence- Yes.

Doug tries to hide his laughter as he continues recording.

Doug- (softly, amused) Oh, man. This is getting good.

Lawrence raises his head to face Melanie once again. Melanie turns away from Lawrence. Lawrence, filled with regret and compassion, gently tries to grab Melanie by the arm. Then...

Melanie slaps Lawrence so hard that it echoes throughout the entire sanctuary. A loud gasp fills the room. Melanie glares at Lawrence, and then she storms off, heading up the altar and out of the door.

Abby, now embarrassed, runs after Melanie. Shelly approaches Lawrence, and she gets in his face.

Shelly- I hate you. Stay the fuck away from me.

Shelly marches up the aisle behind Abby. Michael finally leaves the altar through the back, and Steven follows him.

Doug finally stops recording, amused by everything he has just witnessed.

Doug- This is so going on TikTok.

To Be Continued...