Ex-Husband's Regret (Ava and Rowan) 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.

“Not you obviously”

“I tried to call to let you know but you never picked up” he argues, irritation marking his voice.

“You obviously didn’t try hard enough” I snap.

I was already irritated and I hadn’t been in their presence for more than five minutes. I was starting to regret my decision on coming here. I should have asked Ethan if we could reschedule.

Before Rowan can say anything else, Ethan pulls me away. “Come, let go get you fitted”

I look back for a split second and see Emma glaring at me. If looks could kill, i would already be an ancestor.

I sigh. This was going to be headache inducing, I should have just stayed home.