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.

sit between the two of you?”

of relief. Thank goodness for small miracles. I wouldn’t have to be near his

switch seats with him. The moment we do,

Changed it and touched the lives of

attend my burial? Will those around me even care? Whom am I kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a celebratory feast. The

hold myself back. Living under the perfect shadow that was Emma nailed in the fact that I can never be good enough for anyone. I wasn’t as beautiful as she was. S**y as

Emma. Her pain is bigger than mine. Her happiness is a priority over mine. She always comes first in everyone’s mind while I’m left chasing after leftovers of

me

service was over and everyone was

his deep voice always

I’ll have to because for the next ten years we’ll be

can’t look at him. Not when the memory of him staring lovingly at Emma is still

Noah,

Once we’re outside we’re bombarded by a crowd of people wanting to give us their condolences. I spot some of my colleagues

buried father yet and

you’ve finally decided to show your face” Emma’s bitter voice says

around to face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red

so didn’t want

we

leans in so that I’m

alright but let me tell you that I am here to stay. You also took my family from me all those years ago but no more. I plan to take

me and the departing back of my sister but doesn’t say anything. I’m left shocked at her words but not really

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

that wanted to drown me, I lead Noah to the place that would be father’s final

them and me you would think that I was a stranger just attending the burial instead of part

to dust…” the preacher says as they

Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to come back to her. Emma and Travis both have silent

me. Seeing him like this brings tears to my eyes. I hate seeing him in pain. I wipe my tears away. I need to be strong for him.

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

ma” he