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

of relief. Thank goodness for small miracles. I wouldn’t

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 you

If I were to die today, who will attend my burial? Will those around me even care? Whom am I kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a celebratory feast. The only one

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 she was. I wasn’t perfect as Emma

Emma. Her pain is bigger than mine. Her happiness is a priority over mine. She always comes

Noah’s voice pulls me

the service was over and

okay?” his deep voice always

look at him but I’ll

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

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

yet

decided to show your face” Emma’s bitter

her eyes were red and puffy, but she still looked

I so didn’t want to face

we just bury

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

those years ago but no more. I plan to take everything back,

my sister but doesn’t say anything. I’m left shocked at

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

me, I lead Noah to the place that

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

preacher says as they

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

him like this brings tears to my eyes. I hate seeing him in pain. I wipe my tears away. I

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 I come out of it,

and ma” he drags me