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

Thank goodness for small

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

leave this world one day, the question 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

If I were to die today, who will attend my burial? Will those around me even care? Whom am I kidding? They

that I can never be good enough for anyone. I wasn’t as

bigger than mine. Her happiness is a priority over mine. She always comes first in everyone’s mind while

pulls me out of

that the service

deep voice

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

I just can’t look at him. Not when the memory

on Noah,

up and we walk 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 colleagues and

hadn’t buried father yet and I was

your face” Emma’s bitter voice

Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red

so didn’t want to

now Emma. Can we just bury

then leans in so that 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 the preacher calls us to go to back where the

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

them were mine to begin with. The

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

together. Looking at them and me you would think that I was a stranger

says as they lower father’s

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

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

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

he drags me pointing