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

a sigh of relief. Thank goodness for small

him. The moment we do, I feel the

you have made a difference? Changed it and touched the

Whom am I kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a celebratory feast. The only one who will be affected by my death will be Noah. Just him

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

pain is bigger than mine. Her happiness is a priority over mine. She always comes

Noah’s voice pulls me out of

then I realize that the service was

his deep voice always makes

him let alone look at him but I’ll have to because for the next ten years we’ll be sharing

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

on Noah, let’s

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

hadn’t buried father yet

you’ve finally decided to show your

her eyes were

want to face her right

Can we

smiles then leans in so that I’m the only one

but no more. I plan to take everything back, including the man that was meant to be mine” she then steps aside and leaves just

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

doesn’t understand is that she doesn’t have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks one. And Rowan? Rowan was and

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

them and me you would think

as they lower

father to come back to her.

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

was there but wasn’t at the same time. By the time I come out

there is pa and ma” he drags me pointing