Resolution
(Original Story Concept: One More Round)
Reno, Rude and Tseng sat at their usual table. They were spending their New Years Eve together at the seedy underground pub in Lower Junon. While the bartender tried to keep up with drink orders, while humming along with every holiday song that came on the radio, the three friends were discussing how they would better themselves for the coming holiday.
"Well," said Reno. "I vow to do better at work, to treat my friends with more respect, and to give up drinking."
Reno took a large gulp of his beer.
"I vow to spend this year looking for a nice woman and start down the road to a serious relationship," said Rude.
"You, in a serious relationship?" Reno asked.
"I've had a couple of serious girlfriends in the past," Rude replied.
Tseng nodded. "It's true. He doesn't sleep around, like you."
Reno shrugged his shoulders noncommittally.
"I vow to crack down harder on employee offenses of policy, delegate more authority to my subordinates, and win the award for World's Best Boss," Tseng replied.
Tseng and Reno had pretty much the same policy on New Years Resolutions. The idea was to wildly proclaim whatever, fall off the wagon the next day and continue on with their lives as if nothing had ever happened.
"I wonder what Elena is up to right now." Reno pondered.
"Probably hanging out with her boyfriend," Tseng reasoned. "Waiting to ring in the new year."
"You wanna go watch the parade?" Rude asked.
"No way. It's the same every year. Our tradition is to drink ourselves stupid at this pub, and when the proverbial ball drops we make one final toast and go home," Reno said.
"Don't you have to fly tomorrow?" Tseng asked.
"Well, I'm training a new pilot," Reno said. "I only have to be a little sober."
Tseng laughed.
"Speaking of which, there's only a minute to go!" Rude announced.
Everyone in the bar leaned in the direction of the radio. The bartender tried to settle everybody down in order to synchronize a countdown. Unfortunately coordination was not something that a rabble of 20 or so barflies were able to grasp, and so the only numbers that were actually said in unison was 3…2…1.
Reno took another gulp of his beer. "Well, maybe I'll do better next year."
Tseng nodded. "Yeah, well I'm right there with you Reno. I'm gonna overlook your 'little sober' comment."
Out of nowhere, a woman staggered across the room and planted a kiss on Rude. Tseng and Reno exchanged glances.
"You see, that's why I make resolutions," Rude said, as he took the girls hand and left the bar.
Reno and Tseng laughed a little, but took large gulps of their beers afterwords.