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

goodness for small miracles. I wouldn’t have

I’m able to switch seats with him. The

it and touched the lives of those that you met along the way? Or will you

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

under the perfect shadow that was Emma nailed in the fact that I can never be good enough for anyone. I

or suffering. It’s all about Emma. Her pain is bigger than mine. Her happiness is a priority over mine.

me out

the service was over

okay?” his deep

look at him but I’ll have to because

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

Noah,

up and we walk towards the door. Once we’re outside we’re bombarded by a crowd of people wanting to give us their condolences. I spot some of my

yet

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

to face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy, but she still looked

sigh. I so didn’t want to face

now Emma. Can we just bury father

smiles then leans in so that I’m

bury 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

doesn’t say anything. I’m left shocked at her words but not

because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships

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

distance from mother, Emma and Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I was a stranger just attending the burial instead of

dust…” the preacher says as they lower father’s body

as she begs for father to come back to her. Emma and Travis

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. He needs me

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

pa and ma” he drags me pointing to