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

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

seats with him. The moment we do, I feel

all must 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 met

kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a celebratory

never be good enough for anyone. I wasn’t as beautiful as she was. S**y as she was. Smart as

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 of my

realize that the service was

his deep voice always makes

at him but I’ll have to

just can’t look at him. Not when

Noah,

towards the door. Once 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 at

father yet

decided to show your face” Emma’s bitter

Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and

sigh. I so didn’t want to face

we just bury

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

you that I am here 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

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

have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with.

to drown me, I lead Noah to the place that would be

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

preacher says as they lower father’s body to the

she begs for father to

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.

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

ma” he drags me pointing