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.

sit between the two of you?” Noah whispers

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

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

it and touched the lives of those that you met along the way? Or will you leave it with regrets?” the preacher

kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a celebratory feast. The only one who will be affected by my death

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

shadow. No one sees my pain or suffering. It’s all about Emma. Her pain is bigger than mine. Her happiness is

Noah’s voice pulls me out of my

realize that the service was over and everyone was

okay?” his deep voice always makes

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

can’t look

on Noah, let’s

and we walk towards the door. Once we’re outside we’re bombarded by a crowd of people wanting

yet and I

finally decided to show your

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

want to

now Emma. Can we just bury father

smiles then leans in so that I’m the only one

You also took my family from me all those years ago but no more. I plan to take everything back, including

my sister but doesn’t say anything. I’m

them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks

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

distance from mother, Emma and Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you

as they lower father’s

Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to come back to her. Emma and Travis both have

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

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

pa and ma” he drags