Leighla and Thomas: Chapter 1

Theirs was a three-year relationship. The happiest relationship they had both ever been in. She, Leighla, was now 28 years old. Her man, Thomas, was 36. They had been together ever since they found each other through their respective jobs. He was a very successful and established environmental lawyer at a big law firm in New York. She had just finished her Journalism degree from Harvard and was fighting the good fight as a reporter.

They met on a rainy New York afternoon in front of the courthouse where Thomas’ firm argued a fraud case. Emotionally charged cases like these always drew a crowd – he knew that. But this one was particularly crazy.

Thomas had always hated demonstrations like these. He was doing all he could in order to defend environmental companies against industrial corporations only out for money. These activists that were in the plaza in front of the courthouse were just loud and made his job even more complicated than it had to be. He had just been on his way through the crowd and the shouting reporters as he always did: with his head down and covered under his umbrella, not saying a word. He was almost at the top of the stairs when one question from a journalist caught his attention:

“You’re supposed to be one of the good ones, right? Why won’t you talk to us then? Why won’t you join the fight?”

He didn’t know exactly what it was, but suddenly he was stuck in his tracks. He tilted his head and thought about his answer for a second before he started to turn around. When he finally did, he looked into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen: They were a creamy brown and had golden sparkles all over the iris. And they were carefully gauging his reaction, waiting for his response. But it didn’t matter what kind of witty throwback Thomas had had planned – right now he was at a complete loss for words.

The reporter tried once again: “Have I struck a nerve?” She was now clearly trying to provoke him. This was one step too far, so Thomas simply replied: “Why don’t you watch the trial first, and we’ll see about what it is you want from me afterward.”

The rest of their meet-cute is history. With only the best intentions and a great desire to change the world for the better, they started to regularly get together, discussing legislation and writing up exposés. In time, they realized they had fallen head over heels for each other. Six months in, they moved in together at Thomas’ loft and became the hub for all of their friends to get together. They both worked long hours but always made time for each other.

Especially Leighla, who was still just starting her career, set a focus on her work life. Thomas was more than supportive and always balanced out her drive with some slowness that she desperately needed. They shared a tender love, with open and honest communication.

All their friends would agree that Leighla and Thomas were the perfect match. And then, three years in, Leighla was expecting their first child.