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

sigh of relief. Thank goodness for small miracles. I wouldn’t have

him. The moment we

made a difference? Changed it and touched the lives of those that you met

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

fact that I can never be good enough for anyone. I wasn’t as beautiful as

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

voice pulls me out

that the service was over and

deep voice always

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

it seems rude but I just can’t look at him. Not when

on Noah, let’s

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.

hadn’t buried father yet and I

finally decided to show your

to face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes

I so didn’t want

now Emma. Can we just

I’m the only

family from me all those years ago but no more. I plan to take everything back, including the man that was

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

of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s

that wanted to drown me, I lead Noah to the

at them and me you

says as

begs for father to come back to her. Emma

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

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

and ma” he drags me pointing to