An encounter with an ex.

It was a matter of time really.

I haven't seen any of my ex-in-laws in about five years. The last time being Crowbar's baptism when, just the day before, his dad told me he was leaving.

He'd said it so matter of factly:

I'm not happy and I don't know why. I'm leaving.

He'd said it the day before his family would arrive to spend an extended weekend with us. Still reeling from the news, I told no one and instead smiled numbly as I served our house guests, his family, for the next three days.

Shortly after he moved out and I haven't seen or heard from any of them since.

It's a good thing really. They're a complicated bunch. Full of judgement and each with a wicked-sharp tongue. They've pretty much kept to themselves, several states away, which has been fine by me. I haven't wanted their contact. I haven't needed their approval -- something that at one time meant so much to me.

Yesterday, my ex brought his sister who was up visiting over to pick up the kids. It was quite a surprise and as soon as I heard her voice in my foyer and caught an air of her trademark perfume, a chill swept up my spine.

I don't know why. From what I know he didn't make me out to be the villain in our relationship. Always mum about his inner thoughts, I believe he just told them 'it didn't work out' and left it at that.

When I made it downstairs, the kids were swirling about, showing her this and that, including their new step dad.

I was relieved that she greeted me with outstretched arms. We hugged. A real, genuine hug, held a second longer than most. One you reserve for family and close friends.

It's really great to see you, she said.

I agreed and we smiled as the kids chattered a mile a minute, including Crowbar who told her all about his step dad (Mark) who was standing nearby.

It was awkward, but not tense, and I was glad when everyone eventually shuffled out the door.

Whenever the kids leave, I take a moment to soak in the silence. It's as if the house exhales after the car clears the driveway. And this time, I let out a huge sigh of my own as I sunk deep into my comfy chair.

Though I dreaded meeting one of them again, it felt good for her to see me. I was happy that she saw me happy, adjusted and no longer pining for her brother. And, to be honest, it felt great to be seen with my hot new husband and weighing a good 15 lbs. less than I did back then.

Back then.

It was so long ago. And due to some recent personal business that, after all this time is finally being resolved, I won't have to look back at back then again.

* Exhales deeply.*