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 his suffocating

switch seats with him. The moment we do, I feel the tension ease up

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

burial? Will those around me even care? Whom am I kidding? They

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

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

pulls me out of

service was over

you okay?” his deep

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

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

Noah,

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

yet and I

you’ve finally decided to show your face”

turn around to face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy, but

I so didn’t want to face her

Can we just

so 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

sister but doesn’t say anything. I’m left shocked at

were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks one. And Rowan? Rowan was and still

wanted to drown me, I lead

a little 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

says as they lower father’s body to

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 as they hold her

hate seeing him in pain. I wipe

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

is pa and ma” he drags me pointing to