They stared at each other for what seemed like hours. Neither one knowing what to say. Carmen, still in her wedding dress, felt fresh tears welling in the lids of her eyes.  Look at her in that dress!  – She is absolutely breathtaking.  Shane thought to herself.  In fact, she realized that at this very moment, she had never seen Carmen look more beautiful.

Carmen, I . Shane stopped.  She didnt know what to say. 

What are you doing here?  What – you didnt think Id come here after you humiliated me?  Oh I know. You thought Id run to my mothers house right?

No, thats not it at all. Its just that.

Its just what?! Carmen yelled.  I cant believe you even showed your face here tonight.  After reading that letter, I thought you had run away somewhere like the coward that you are.  Too scared to tell me in my face that you dont want to be with me anymore so you just decided to run off to who knows where! Carmen said in a huff, not realizing that by now she was shouting. 

Carmen, please allow me to explain. Shane begged.  Explain?  Explain what? Carmen quipped.  How you made me look like a fool in front of everyone?  Or how idiotic I feel for believing that you would actually go through with it.

Just give me 5 minutes.  After you hear me out, you can decide what you want to do – if you want to leave or if you want to stay. Shane said decidedly.  There is nothing you can say that will make me stay here tonight.  I am going to pack my things and I want you to forget you ever knew me Carmen explained through clenched teeth.

I could never forget you.  I love you. Shane said.  WHAM!

The sting of Carmens slap to her face made Shane stumble back slightly before quickly recovering her balance.  Though it caught her off guard, she knew that shed more than earned it. 

How dare you say that you love me.  Do you even know what love is?  Love would not have done to me what you did tonight.  You make me sick! Carmen said as she reached in the closet for an overnight bag.