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?”

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

I’m able to switch seats with him. The

have made a difference? Changed it

burial? Will those around me even care? Whom am I kidding? They wouldn’t. They would probably hold a

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

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

me

I realize that the service was over and

deep voice always

to talk to him let alone look at him but I’ll have to

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

Noah,

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

hadn’t buried father yet and I was already

decided to show your face”

blotchy and her eyes

so didn’t want to

Emma. Can we

that I’m the only

me tell 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 was meant to be mine” she then steps aside and leaves just as the preacher calls us to go to

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

them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about

I lead Noah to the place that would be

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

the preacher says as

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

me. Seeing him like this brings tears to my eyes. I hate seeing him

again people 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

ma” he drags me pointing to