Free The Bride Who Bailed by Misty Carrera

As I stood outside the church, my wedding dress drifting in the breeze, I was vibrating with nervous excitement. The big moment was on us and I was as nervous as a cat. I did a mental inventory of my necessities- luggage, purse, cash and my ID. That was everything.

    It was now or never, and I knew I had to go through with this if I was ever going to be happy. The church was quiet, the guests standing in anticipation of my entrance. As the music swelled then quieted I heard the priest tell the guests that there would be a photo montage of us projected on the wall as I walked down the aisle. The music of my entrance march began again and I counted in my head to ten until I began walking, my dress rustling with each step. The red runner had been laid out before me, and I kept my eyes on it, afraid to meet Jake's eyes. I knew just how long I had before the pictures   of Jake with his parade of girlfriends would start showing. I know it seems like a mean thing to do. Mostly because it is. But I had been planning this wedding to Jake pretty much since the junior prom, the whole town knew us, everyone expected us to get married. I had to show them the evidence, show them that he cheated on me, otherwise they'd all think I was crazy. If I had just called the whole thing off, I would have been bombarded with phone calls and emails about cold feet, and how we were meant to be and all that...crap. When really the truth was he was a cheating scumbag. But if I didn't show them that he was, well it would not be a peaceful life. Not that this would be either, I mean both our moms would be embarrassed, and with any luck he would be too, but at least I could make a clean getaway.  

    I approached the front of the church and I could see the montage, us separately as kids, as teens, then our shared years came into focus. I was sad. It was too bad really, but I wouldn't be lied to, and I needed to take a stand. This way no one would ever second guess my decision to call off my wedding to Jacob Reilly Thornton III. If I stayed with him, I'd have been set. In our town he was a big fish, money, security, the works. But in the end, as it turned out, I didn't really like fish all that much.

    The church was packed with guests, and I could hear them whispering quietly, and sighing,at our photos.   Then it started, the murmurs of disapproval began at the back of the crowd and rolled forward in a wave. I glanced up and saw the photos, I had begun taking them a few months ago, unfortunately there were plenty. Jake leaving various bars with various women, most of the pics showed them kissing, because I didn't want there to be any mistaking what he was doing there. I had pasted the date across every picture in white. Pausing in the middle of the aisle while I glanced around I saw the faces of our friends and family as they realized that I had caught Jake in so many lies. The rumbling in the church had grown louder now. People were whispering and pointing. His mom was fanning herself and his dad was clenching and unclenching his fists. Glancing up, I saw Jake's face, a mixture of fear and fury, he moved as if to come toward me and his best man held him back. I waggled my fingers in a friendly wave at him, and walked the rest of the way to the front of the church.  

    "Father," I said to the priest, who was standing speechless at the edge of the altar.

    "Jake," I whispered " I'd like to say I'm sorry for doing it this way, but I'm really not. Bye, and, uh...good luck,"   then I spun on my heel and walked right back out of the church. I felt bad leaving my mom and sisters to deal with the damage, but I had to get away. The second I walked outside I felt like a giant wet woolen coat had been lifted from my shoulders.  

    I ran to my rented limo and climbed inside. The startled driver paused, looking for my new husband no doubt.  

    "Drive!" I said, "the airport, quick, before someone comes looking for me."  

    "So, it didn't go as well as you had