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.

between the two of

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

difference? Changed it and touched the lives of those that you met along the way? Or will you leave it with regrets?” the preacher

kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a celebratory feast. The only one who will be affected by my death will be

that I can never be good enough for anyone. I wasn’t as beautiful as she was. S**y as she was. Smart as she was. Loved

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 priority over mine. She always comes first in everyone’s mind while I’m left chasing

me out of my

service was over and everyone was

okay?” his deep voice always makes

him let alone look at him but I’ll have to because for the

at him. I know it seems rude but I just can’t

Noah, let’s

outside we’re bombarded by a crowd of people wanting to give

yet and I was already

your

blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy,

so didn’t want to face

Emma. Can we just bury father

that I’m the only one that can hear

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 aside and leaves just as the preacher calls us to

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

anything back because none of them were mine to begin

lead

them and me you would think that I was a stranger just attending

as they

with 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

brings tears to my eyes. I hate seeing him in pain. I wipe my tears away.

was like I was there but wasn’t at the same time.

and ma” he