She didnt realize her hands were shaking until Alice tried to still them with her own.  Carmen looked down at the note in her hand that Lisa, the wedding coordinator, had given her over 10 minutes ago.  The church was so silent that they could probably hear Carmens own racing heart beat.  What was happening? Carmen in her panic could not remember how they had gotten to this point.  Oh yes, her mother had just dropped her off in front of the minister and had taken her seat in the front row.   As she walked down the aisle, she looked into the faces of the other women who, over a relatively short amount of time, had come to by like her second family.  Everyone was there, which considering how much partying they did the previous night, was a feat in itself. The light piano being played by the plump man at the piano stopped when the whispering began. Why wasnt Shane coming out at the cue of her entrance music?  Thats when the Carmen could feel the beads of sweat forming on her forehead – Right after the preacher gave Carmen a quizzical look as if she knew what was going on and could answer his questioning look.

Alice, sensing the awkwardness, ran to the back of the church searching room to room for Shane.  After all, this was the day they had all prepared for during the last two weeks.  However, not finding Shane anywhere, Alice returned to the chapel. She noticed the wedding coordinator was standing next to Carmen with her hand on her back.  Thats when Alice knew it was not good news. 

Do you want me to read it? Alice asked as she stood next to Carmen.  Thats when Carmen snapped back into the present. 

NO! Carmen quickly said.  She hadnt meant to snap.

Im sorry, I mean no, Im going to read it. Just give me a few minutes.

 Understanding that now was not the time for Alice to push, she went and stood next to Jenny,Bette,Kit,Helena,and Tina – all of whom by this time had resigned  to keeping Mercedes from charging to the pulpit

Where is Shane?! Carmen, what does the note say? She is coming any second right? Mercedes yelled in her all too familiar Spanish accent.