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 relief. Thank goodness for small miracles.

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

it and touched the lives

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

The life I have. I don’t have any friends mostly because I hold myself back. Living under the perfect shadow that was Emma nailed in the fact 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 as she was. I wasn’t perfect as Emma was. I was

Her pain is bigger than

Noah’s voice pulls me out of

I realize that the service was over and everyone

okay?” his deep voice always makes

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

but I just can’t look at him. Not when the

on Noah, let’s

of people wanting to give us their condolences. I spot

hadn’t buried father yet and I was already

your face” Emma’s bitter voice

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

didn’t want to face

we just

that I’m the only one

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 man that was meant

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

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

that wanted to drown me, I lead Noah to the place that would be

little distance from mother, Emma and Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I

preacher says as

his coffin with soil until he is completely buried. Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father

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

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

there is pa and ma” he drags me pointing to