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 you?” Noah whispers to

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

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

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?” the preacher

I were to die today, who will attend my burial? Will those around me even care? 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 and no one

fact that I can never be good

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 their

me out

realize that the service was over and everyone was

his deep voice

at him but I’ll have

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

on Noah,

up and we walk towards the door. Once we’re outside we’re bombarded by a crowd of people wanting to give us

father yet and I was

show your face” Emma’s bitter voice

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

didn’t want

Can we just bury

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

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

she doesn’t have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with.

drown me, I lead Noah to the place that

together. Looking at them and me you would think

to dust…” the preacher says as they

soil until he is completely buried. Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to come back to her. Emma and Travis both have silent tears running down their faces

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

people flood 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 I

there is pa and ma” he