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 you?”

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

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

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

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

can never be

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

realize that the service was over

you okay?” his deep voice always makes

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

just can’t look at him. Not when the memory of him staring lovingly at Emma is still fresh

Noah,

we’re bombarded by a crowd of people

hadn’t buried father yet and I was already

decided to show your face” Emma’s bitter voice says behind

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

I so didn’t want to face her

Emma. Can we

I’m the only one that can hear

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 to be mine” she then steps aside and leaves just as

my sister but doesn’t say

doesn’t have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks

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 was a stranger just attending the

preacher says as they lower

buried. Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to come

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

to offer their condolences. I accept them mindlessly. It was like I was there but wasn’t at the same

there is pa and ma” he drags me pointing