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.

two

a sigh of relief. Thank goodness for small miracles. I wouldn’t have to be near his suffocating

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

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

can’t help but think about it. If I were to die today, 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 my death will be Noah. Just

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

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

pulls me out of

that the service was

okay?” his deep voice always makes me

let alone look at him but I’ll

without looking at him. I know it seems rude but I just can’t look at him. Not

on Noah, let’s

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

hadn’t buried father yet

your face”

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

sigh. I so didn’t want to

now Emma. Can we just

leans in so that I’m the

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

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

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

that wanted to drown me, I lead Noah

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

to dust…” the preacher says as

are the loudest as she begs for father to come back to her. Emma and Travis both have silent tears running down

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

again people flood us to offer their condolences. I accept them mindlessly. It was like I was there but wasn’t at the same time. By the time I come out of it,

and ma” he drags me pointing