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

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

switch seats with him. The moment

it and touched the lives of those that you met along the way?

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 him and

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

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

voice pulls me out of my

the service was over and everyone was

okay?” his deep voice always

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

my shoulders I stand up, without looking at him. I know it seems rude but I just can’t look at him. Not

Noah, let’s

by a crowd of people wanting to give us their condolences. I spot some of my colleagues

yet

your face” Emma’s bitter voice says behind

face was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy,

didn’t want to face her

we just

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

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

have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the

lead Noah to the

and me you would think that I was

as

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

brings tears to my eyes. I hate

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

he