# 5 : "Et tu, Leighton?"

The date was going well. Leighton couldn't remember the last time that she had had an evening as splendid as The food was divine, the wine was delicious, the ambiance of the restaurant was classy yet relaxed and comfortable. The candle on their dinner table was rose-scented, soft pink roses adorned the entire room and the dessert entrees on the menu had included a special low-fat option, just for her.

Midway through the meal, Ricky decided to order another bottle of wine. As he looked through the wine list, Leighton was overcome by a bizarre feeling. She felt a part of herself leave her body and float above their table, over them. She felt it was watching her, judging her. Was it her soul? It couldn't be. What was it saying? She strained to hear but failed.

"Babe, you're going to love the wine I just ordered. I can't wait for you to taste it". He held her hand in his. His touch sent a wave of tingles all over her and she smiled. "Your smile drives me crazy, you know that?" He said something else after that but Leighton couldn't hear it; that thing that had perched itself above them was now screaming out at her. Suddenly, she felt another part of herself float above and join that thing. The two things then started yelling at each other. Too much wine or was she losing her mind?

"Okay, I think I'm going crazy," she exclaimed taking Ricky by surprise. He gave a heartwarming smile and then whispered into her ears, "Hold on champ, we're just getting started here". Leighton wanted to smile back but her head throbbing in pain. The waiter arrived with their bottle and served them the wine. She could not wait for Ricky to finish his toast and gulped down the entire glass. Disbelief was plastered across Ricky's face. "We're just getting started, aren't we?" she said.

As the night proceeded, she realized that the things flying above were parts of her mind that had differing opinions. She began to comprehend what they were trying to say. One of them was unhappy that she was out on the date with Ricky while the other one was very pleased. As if the one that disapproved was as a mini-angel of sorts, with wings on its back, and its counterpart was a little devil. Projections of the the dialogue in her mind? Perhaps.

Mini-Angel: "What do you think you are doing here Leighton? Giving him false hopes of a future with you when you know too well that no such thing will ever happen. Have you no shame?"

Mini-Devil: "Lying to her about what will or will not happen. Have you no shame?"

Mini-Angel: "Listen to my voice alone! Do you honestly believe the guy has turned on a new leaf? I do not! Go home Leighton"

Mini-Devil: "Let her enjoy the gorgeous evening, will you?"

Mini-Angel: "I would if she were with Nathan"
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Mini-Devil: "Well then, where is he? Didn't he say that he has no time for this and nothing to give? Didn't he say that he didn't want the instability Leighton can bring into his life? So much for the great revered Nathan!"

Mini-Angel: "Don't take his words out of context you evil beast. He loves her and she loves him and that's that. If he could, then he would be with her"

Mini-Devil: "Lies and excuses. Forget about Nathan. Look at the guy in front of you tonight. It does not get better than this. Don't mess it up, Leighton. Don't mess it up"

Ricky put his arm around Leighton lovingly and stroked her dark brown curls. She looked into his mocha brown eyes and got lost in their hypnotic charm for a few seconds. "You haven't said anything in a while babe". "I'm listening to you Ricky. Go on," she urged sweetly. In reality she hadn't heard a word of what he had said. The heated conversation in her imagination had consumed her entire attention.

Mini-Angel: "Nathan is not perfect, true. He is flawed but he is also yours and will be yours forever. So please hear what I have to say. The evening is over, now please go home"

There was a silence, a long chilly one. Neither the Mini-Angel nor the Mini-Devil said a word more.

"Shall we take a walk by the river?" Ricky suggested as they got up to leave. Leighton wrapped her navy blue cashmere silk shawl around herself. She could see the river through the window. She considered going home. Just then, Ricky moved up close to her and put his arms around her in a warm loving embrace. She hugged him back.

The imaginary Mini-Devil burst into song and and danced with unbounded joy. A victory dance like no other.

They walked outside hand in hand. Ricky took the lead as they headed south toward the walkway alongside the river. An unexpected breeze ruffled Leighton's long hair and almost blew her shawl off. As she grasped onto it, she looked up and saw her Mini-Angel slowly dissipating into the cool night air. As it vanished, it whispered, "Et tu, Leighton?"

She felt a sword of condemnation slice right through her but she chose to continue the evening with Ricky anyway.