Ex-Husband's Regret (by Evelyn M.M) novel Chapter 16

He hangs up and I rush to my bedroom to find something descent to wear. Seeing we were going to a shooting range, I decide on wearing something comfortable, so I settle on jeans, a t-shirt and flats. Ethan arrives in ten minutes like he said and we immediately leave.

“So, what made you decide to become an officer of the law?” I ask turning to face him.

The atmosphere was comfortable and I felt at ease around him. It was nice. I haven't felt this comfortable around another adult for a long time.

“My dad was killed by a cop” he answers with a shrug.

I frown, a bit surprised. “That would turn most people off from being cops”

“I know, but my dad wasn’t a good man and neither was he a good father. When the officers gunned him down for selling illegal firearms I was actually relieved. Seeing those cops taking out trash like my dad who thought was untouchable made me want to do the same thing. Make the area I was living in a safe place”

He goes quiet but I can tell there was something more. The way he talked about his dad with disdain let me know that his father wasn’t just bad, he was a terrible man.

I’ve had such kids in my class. Students who had really abusive parents. I try to help as much as I can because no child needed such parents. Abuse was abuse. Whether it was physical or emotional.

“And what made you become a teacher?”

I usually hold myself back but I find myself opening up to him, something that takes me by surprise.

“My parents weren’t the best and I was neglected as a child. When I was around nine years, I had this amazing teacher. She was everything I wanted my mother to be. She cared, praised me, hugged me when I needed a hug, supported me. She was kind and not only to me. I never forgot her and when I grew up I wanted to be like her. It also helped that teaching just felt right”

Miss Olivia had been my support system when I was young. Her class had been my safe space. Even though it’s been years, I’m still grateful for the kindness she showed a nine year old girl who was extremely sad and lonely.

“Wow” he simply says, awe in his voice.

We are quiet for a while before he surprises me.

“I know you have a kid, but are you single?” he asks.

I wasn’t sure why he was asking. Maybe it was to make conversation.

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