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?”

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

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

Will you have made a difference? Changed it

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 who will be affected by

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

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

Noah’s voice pulls me out

then I realize that the service was over and everyone

okay?” his deep voice always makes

don’t want to talk to him let alone look at him but I’ll have

it seems rude but I just can’t look at him. Not when

Noah, let’s

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

yet and

you’ve finally decided to show your face” Emma’s bitter voice says

to face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy,

didn’t want to face her right

Emma. Can we

leans in so that I’m the only one that can

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

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

them were mine to begin with. The

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

little distance from mother, Emma and Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I

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

cover his coffin with soil until he 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 their faces as they hold her

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.

there but wasn’t at the same time. By the time I

he drags me pointing to