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 you?” Noah whispers

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

able to switch seats with him. The

made a difference? Changed it and touched

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 no one

friends mostly because I hold myself back. Living under the perfect shadow that was Emma nailed in the fact that I can never be

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

Noah’s voice pulls me out of

service was over and everyone

his deep

but I’ll have to

at him. I know it seems rude but I just can’t look at him. Not when the memory of him staring lovingly

on Noah, let’s

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

buried father yet and

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

face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy, but she still

I so didn’t want to face

Can we

I’m the only one that can

me all those years ago but no more. I plan to take everything

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

of them were mine to begin with. The

lead

a little distance from mother, Emma and Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I was a stranger just attending the burial instead of part

dust…” the preacher says as they

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

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

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

there is pa and ma” he drags