"What's your resolution this year, Rena?"
Rena put down the fine crystal glass, and looked out at the chaos of the Times Square after-party. "My resolution is to always have a good time. What's yours, Henry?"
Henry grinned. "That's easy. Mine is to get you to finally accept my proposal."
Rena groaned. "Well in that case, I have a second resolution. I resolve to always have a good time, without getting married to you."
Henry laughed. "Come on, you know I'm the only man for you. Why don't you make it easier for both of us?"
She took on the tone of a long-suffering parent telling something to a child. "Because I think of you as a friend. More like a brother, really. I can't marry you!"
He listened, still grinning. "Ah, but the best marriages are based on friendship. Don't you want to laugh every day? You did say your resolution is to always have a good time."
She sighed. "You've been asking me for how long, Henry? And have I, even once, indicated that my answer would change?"
He shook his head. "It's been eight years. And no, you've never led me on. Your honesty is one of the things I love about you. But as you know, I've always been an optimist, and I've always wanted to spend every day with you. From the day I met you, in sixth grade."
Rena picked up a sandwich. "Let's just enjoy the new year, Henry. Want to go down, and catch some of the music?"
He picked up a huge funny hat, and bowed as he put it on. "I thought you'd never ask. Let's go get an early start on your resolution!"
Rena giggled. "You mean my first one. The second will be even easier."
Taking it in the playful spirit it was intended, he dropped to one knee. "But we were meant for each other, my love. I shalt accept nothing less than your hand in marriage, here and now."
She giggled again. "Let's go to the fairest party in the land, it shalt help thee forget thy pain."
Soon the two friends were in the famous square, dancing and laughing.
A week later, they met in front of The Sweetest Cafe Ever.
"What a nice day, Henry. Let's eat outside. I just love the patio furniture here, it's so comfortable."
"Sounds great. I'll go get our lunch, do you want the regular?"
Rena ran her hands through her hair. "I think I'll have the soup instead. And a turkey sandwich."
A few minutes later, they were seated in the tidy outdoor eating area. "What would you like to do for Friday, Henry? I thought maybe we could go see the TechnoComics movie."
Henry fished around in his pocket, and produced a thin envelope. "Have a look before you decide."
"What's this?" she asked, as she eagerly took the envelope.
After reading the contents she jumped out of her seat, squealing. "VIP backstage passes to the set where they're filming Technocomics 2 in the Empire State Building?!?! How did you ever get these?"
Henry chuckled, then gave her a gentle hug. "You'll never know. I'm a man of mystery."
Rena hugged him tightly, then gently slapped his arm. "Come on, what did you have to mortgage to get these? I didn't even know it was possible to go on the set."
He stuck out his tongue. "Not telling!"
The two settled in for lunch, chatting lightly.
A woman shouted on the other side of the road. "Come back here, Stevie! Get out of the street, now!"
Henry and Rena looked. Standing in the middle of the road was a young child of perhaps three. He was looking at the woman. He took one uncertain step towards the frantic woman.
An older model Corolla turned the corner, vibrating with rap music.
Henry leaped over the little barrier. The fast moving car didn't slow. He sprinted, grabbing the child when the vehicle was only inches away.
He used his momentum to roll out of the way, losing his right shoe in the process. The left front tire flattened the shoe, then brakes squealed.
The driver set his phone on the dashboard. "Is everyone alright?" he asked, speaking loudly to talk above the screaming child.
Rena reached the scene several seconds later. "No they're not okay, you almost killed both of them!"
The young driver and his equally young passengers paled when she pulled out a phone. "Hello, we were just involved in an accident. Can you please send an officer right away?"
The driver raised his hands, palms outward. Hey lady, I didn't touch them."
Henry handed the child to the sobbing woman, then looked at his shoeless foot. He walked over and picked up his shoe, which had distinct tire marks on it.
He glanced at the woman and child, then leaned in close. "This could have been that little boy, instead of my shoe," he whispered.
Three passenger doors flew open, and teens sprinted in every direction. Henry put a steady hand on the driver's shoulder. "I guess it's just you now. Don't even think about following their example."
The driver gulped. "Of course not, Sir."
Seconds later, sirens blared. Then two patrol cars stopped, one in front of the vehicle, the other in back.
The officers took statements, then handcuffed the driver.
On Friday, Henry and Rena arrived at the movie location, and were shown around by the producer himself.
After a while, Rena noticed something strange. "Where are the stars? Will we get to meet them?"
The producer smiled, with a bit of mischief in his expression. All in good time, Ma'am. They're currently in a meeting."
Henry's shoulders slumped. "I thought we were going to see some action scenes."
The producer chuckled. "Oh, you will. Like I told your friend, all in good time."
When he turned away, Rena and Henry looked at each other, and shrugged.
After a couple more stops, the three approached a meeting room. "Our main stars are right through there," the producer informed them.
The two walked in. "Hey, why are the lights off?" Rena asked.
In reply, the room lit up. "Surprise!" shouted a large group of people, dressed in superhero costumes.
Overhead was a banner: For Two of New York's Real Heroes. On the large rectangular table sat a huge sheet cake, with their names. It had a Technocomics theme, but with a twist. It depicted the scene of Henry rescuing the child.
Both were surprised, but Henry almost sat on the floor. "Why... how... how did anyone even know?"
The producer put a hand on Henry's shoulder. "The lady whose little boy you saved is my sister. When I told the crew, they wanted to do something special for you. You both have guest roles in the movie, if you want them. As well as passes to come on the set whenever you want."
Rena hugged Henry. "You're making it awfully difficult for me to keep one of my resolutions, Mister!"
Cover image made in Canva Pro using their gallery
