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.

I sit between the two of you?” Noah

Thank goodness for small miracles. I wouldn’t have to be near

moving us, I’m able to switch seats with him. The moment

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

my burial? Will those around me even care? Whom am I kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably

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

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

pulls me out of my

I realize that the service was

you okay?” his deep

I’ll have to because for the next ten years

can’t look at him. Not when the memory of him staring lovingly

on Noah, let’s

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

yet and I was already

you’ve finally decided to show your face”

her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and

want

Emma. Can we just

leans in so that I’m

but no more. I plan to take everything back, including the man

doesn’t say anything. I’m left shocked at her words but not really

that she doesn’t have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s

the pain that wanted to drown me, I lead Noah to the place that would be father’s

Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I was a stranger

dust…” the preacher says as they lower father’s body to

father to come back to her. Emma and Travis

him like this 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 me

mindlessly. It was like I was there but

is pa and ma” he drags me pointing to