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.

two of

breathe a sigh of relief. Thank goodness for small miracles. I wouldn’t have

him. The moment we do, I

is how will you leave it? Will you have made a difference? Changed it and touched the lives of those that you met along the way? Or will you leave

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

have any friends mostly because I hold 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.

when we’re older, I’m 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 over mine. She

voice pulls me

service was over and

okay?” his deep

let alone look at him but I’ll have to

seems rude but I just can’t

Noah, let’s

we’re outside we’re bombarded by a crowd of people wanting to give us their condolences. I spot some of my colleagues and wave

father yet and I was already

to show your face” Emma’s bitter voice says

her eyes were red and puffy, but

want to

we just

I’m the only

You also took my family from me all those years ago but no more. I plan to take everything back,

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

none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks one. And Rowan? Rowan

lead Noah to the

They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I was a stranger just

preacher says as they lower father’s body to

buried. Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to

to my eyes. I hate seeing him in pain. I wipe my tears away. I need to be strong

flood us to offer their condolences. I accept them mindlessly. It was like I was there but wasn’t at the same time. By

pa and ma” he drags me pointing to