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 to

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

The moment we do, I feel the tension

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

help but think about it. If I were to die today, who will attend my burial? Will those around me even care? Whom am I kidding? They

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

one sees my 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 in everyone’s mind while I’m left chasing

voice pulls me out

the service was over and everyone

you okay?” his deep voice

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

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

Noah, let’s

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

hadn’t buried father yet and I

your

eyes were red and puffy, but she still

didn’t want to face her

now Emma. Can we just

then leans in so that I’m the only

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

looks between me and the departing back of my sister but doesn’t say anything. I’m left shocked at her

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

wanted to drown me, I lead Noah

Looking at them and me

as they lower father’s body to

begs for father to come back to her. Emma and

Hugging him as he cries beside me. Seeing 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

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

pa and ma” he drags me pointing to Rowan’s