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.

the two of

sigh of relief. Thank goodness for small miracles. I

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

one day, the question is how will you leave it? Will you have made a difference? Changed it and touched the lives of those that you met along the way? Or will you leave it with regrets?”

Whom am I kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a celebratory feast. The

nailed in the fact that I can never be good enough for anyone. I wasn’t as beautiful as she was.

we’re older, I’m still in her shadow. No one sees my pain or suffering. It’s all about Emma. Her pain is bigger than mine. Her happiness is a

Noah’s voice pulls me

that the service was over

you okay?” his deep voice always

at him but I’ll have to because for the next

shoulders I stand up, without looking at him. I know it seems rude but I just can’t look at

on Noah,

of people wanting to give us their condolences. I spot some of my colleagues and wave

father yet

decided to show your

her eyes were red and puffy, but she still looked like a freaking

sigh. I so didn’t want to

now Emma. Can we just bury

so that I’m the only one that

him 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 everything back, including the man that was meant to be mine” she then steps

sister but doesn’t say anything. I’m left shocked

take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks one.

pain that wanted to drown me, I lead Noah to the place

huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think

says as they lower father’s body to the

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

my eyes. I hate seeing him in pain. I wipe my tears away. I need to be strong for him. He

mindlessly. It was like I was there but wasn’t at the same time. By the time I come out of it,

ma” he drags