Ex-Husband’s Regret by Evelyn M.M

5. Shoot out

Nothing about the day spelled disaster. The sun was shining and everything seemed to be well in place as I drove down the familiar streets.

The chapel was fully packed when we arrived. Almost everyone had come to pay their last respects.

I surveyed the place and was satisfied to see everything was in place. None of the others had been much help when it came to the burial preparation. I was the one that was left to shoulder the weight of everything.

I didn’t complain though. I took it as a chance for me to reciprocate what he’d done for me. After all, he had fed me, clothed me and put a room over my head.

The service was about to begin and most people were already seated. I decided to sit on the opposite side. It didn’t feel right sitting with the rest. It especially didn’t feel right sitting next to Emma.

“Mom, why are we sitting here…shouldn’t we sit next to grandma?” Noah asks, pointing at where the others were.

Of course we were getting weird looks but I didn’t care. After all, it wasn’t a secret that I wasn’t wholly accepted by the family after everything that happened.

“Most people are already seated. I don’t want us to cause a fracas” I lie.

He looks like he doesn’t believe me but choses to let it go. The father arrives and the sermon begins just as I feel someone sit next to me.

I tense. I would know his presence and cologne anywhere. I don’t know what he was doing seated here. He should be with his precious Emma. In fact I would prefer if he were there.

Damn I sound bitter. Which I was. Bitter, angry and hurt.

“Dad” Noah whisper yells, which causes a few people to turn and look at us.

I glower at them making them turn back around.

two of you?” Noah whispers to

relief. Thank goodness for small miracles. I wouldn’t

moving us, I’m able to switch seats with him. The moment we do, I feel the tension ease

have made a difference? Changed it and touched the lives of those that you met along the way? Or will you

me even care? Whom am I kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a celebratory feast. The only one who will be

I can never be good enough for anyone. I wasn’t as beautiful as she was. S**y as she

still in her shadow. No one sees my pain or suffering. It’s all about Emma. Her pain is bigger

voice pulls me out of my

the service

you okay?” his deep voice

want to talk to him let alone look at him but I’ll have to because for the next

but I just can’t look at him. Not when the memory of

on Noah,

towards the door. Once we’re outside we’re bombarded by a crowd of people

father yet and

your face” Emma’s bitter voice says behind

was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy, but she still

didn’t want

now Emma. Can we

then leans in so that I’m

plan to take everything back, including the man that was meant to

back of my sister but doesn’t

of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks one. And Rowan? Rowan was and

I lead Noah to the place

from mother, Emma and Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I

says as they lower father’s body to the

is completely buried. Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to come back

him like this brings tears to my eyes. I hate seeing him in pain. I wipe my

us to offer their condolences. I accept them mindlessly. It was like I was there but wasn’t at the same time. By the time

ma” he drags me