#irish waves

It was the day before New Year’s Eve, the wheels hitting the tarmac of LaGuardia Airport. New York looked fresh, a slight dusting of snow still remaining from the year’s white Christmas. A car would be waiting for Kieran and Angela when they stepped off the plane and beyond the lines of security and bag carousels, ready to whisk them off to their destination.

The whole trip was a surprise for Angela, who had told Kieran that she wanted to see the ball drop on New Year’s right smack dab in the middle of New York City. And while he’d rather have a nice night in… well, he had an idea.

Actually watching the ball drop right in the corrals in Times Square was rather… tight-packed. Definitely not the place for either of them, standing in a crowd of thousands, back-to-chest for a minimum of eight hours in the cold.

Watching the ball drop from the comforts of their Times Square-view hotel, the two of them together? Much better. (And warmer… Not to mention the opportunity to join others staying at the hotel at a rooftop celebration if they so decided.) He was excited to surprise Angie with this view and celebration - and Kieran hoped to make it a night she would never forget.

He also had a few other tricks up his sleeve - tickets to a show after they’d landed and checked in, plus the opportunity the day after to go hang around some of his old haunts, give a tour of what his life was like when he lived in the Lower East Side. He may have felt a bit more excited about the latter than the former - it had been such a long time since he’d really had the chance to return to the city.

“Well, luv, I hope you’re ready,” Kieran grinned, a hand at the small of her back as they made their way to the car. He was certainly glad to be off the plane - and while it was still a short flight, it still required flying. “I’ve got quite a few things ahead.”

Angie blinked - “A few things ahead? Can’t you tell me just one thing that’s happening?”

She linked her arm in his and blinked, almost as if she were hoping to coax him out of it that easily.

“Nope, you’re going to have to wait. At least ‘till we get to where we’re goin’.” He smiled and patted her arm before pulling her along slightly, his smile growing wider.

“And where is that? Hm?”

“Into the black MKZ with New York plates GGB-644, right outside those doors.”

“Oh come on. We’re in New York! Where are we going?!”

“Like I said, right through those doors to the black MKZ.” Kieran smirked, pulling along their luggage as they made their way through the sliding doors. “If you want a hint so badly, we’re going to be in New York.”

Angela rolled her eyes, pinching his arm where they were linked. “Thank you, Captain Obvious.”

“Just get in the car, love, you’ll see when we get there,” he said, smiling softly before turning to the driver to discuss the ride details as discreetly as possible. When all was said and done, their luggage was placed in the trunk and they were on their way, skillfully weaving themselves out of the airport traffic and beyond.

As the car took them through the boroughs and the Midtown/Queens tunnel, their hands were linked in the seat between them.

“You gonna tell me now?” Angela whispered, an eyebrow raised as she leaned in, the tunnel lights darkening the interior of the car.

“Nope,” Kieran grinned, leaning to press a chaste kiss to her lips.

“Are we heading towards Times Square?” Angela asked, pulling herself away from the window. The Empire State building was soon out of view as they continued down 37th and onto 6th, with Bryant Park quickly coming up on their right.

“Spoilers, Ang, spoilers,” he chuckled, shaking his head.

“Oh, the Winter Village!” she exclaimed, pointing out the window as they passed Bryant Park.

Kieran smiled as he watched Angela light up, excited for her reactions as they turned onto 43rd, moving down the block and turning to move onto 42nd. The movement confused her for a moment, causing her to look at Kieran out of curiosity until their car stopped at the hotel.

“We’ve arrived, let me get your bags,” the driver said, exiting the car to help with their bags. The street was packed with pedestrians, barriers and fences ready for tomorrow’s festivities.

Angela and Kieran climbed out of the car, thanked the driver, and were soon greeted by the concierge, welcoming them to the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square Central. Angela raised an eyebrow, a smile quickly growing as she hears ‘Times Square’.  The concierge noticed her grin and pointed up towards the left.

“You’ll have a perfect view while you’re staying with us these next few days,” he said, watching while Kieran wrapped an arm around a very excited Angela.

“Let’s get inside and settled, then we can get ready for the next thing --” he said, trying to move her towards the lobby.

Their room was a corner room on the 36th floor, with a king-sized bed and a wonderful view of the ball and the corner of Times Square.

“So before you get all comfortable about the ball being in prime viewing, we’ve got to go get ourselves some lunch before we get to our show!” Kieran said, pulling a small envelope from his luggage as he propped it on the rack in the closet.

“Show?” Angela asked, pulling herself away from the window. The light from the window created a halo around her, red hair practically glowing in the early afternoon light.

“Yes, show. Now let’s go check out that Winter Village before we have to find the theatre.” He offered his hand out as he tucked the room key into his coat pocket.

The Winter Village was only a half-block away, right in Bryant Park, lined with stands of foods and gifts. While slightly crowded, it was less than the pre-holiday rush - and much more tolerable than Rockefeller Center.

“We can come back an’ skate here later, if you’d like. I know it’s a bit busy,” he shrugged, holding his cup of hot apple cider, “but I think it’d be a nice thing, yeah?” Angela was slightly distracted by watching the skaters under the awning, quietly eating her crepe. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

They finished their lunch and spent the remainder of their time wandering between the booths and even taking a quick tour of the New York Library’s Main Branch.

“Quick, we’ll go down this way to miss the crowds. An’ it’ll leave you guessing for what show we’ll be seeing!” There was a chuckle as he pulled her down towards 8th, avoiding the main crowds of Time Square and keeping her close.

“Everything’s got to stay a secret with you!” Angela laughed, squeezing his hand.

“It does, because I like watching you try to figure it out,” he replied, looking down each street to check for the theatre.

“Can’t you tell me what we’re going to see?” she asked, brushing loose strands away from her face.

“Nope, but I know you’re going to love it,” he said, looking down the block to see if he had stopped at the right one yet.

“You are such a tease!”

But as they rounded the block where Angela thought she could pick out the show they’d be seeing with ease, she was soon met with four different theatres glowing, ready for the matinees. Phantom of the Opera and Frozen greeted her first, which caused her to wonder - what were they seeing? Behind the awning of Phantom sat Anastasia, the crowd already moving inside at a quick pace.

“Here we are,” Kieran said, holding out the ticket envelope clearly labeled with Anastasia tickets. “I’d figure you’d like this one the most.” And I would, too, honestly.

They soon found their way inside, tickets scanned and seats found in the orchestra. A world of enchantment soon greeted them, the curtains rising to reveal a Young Anastasia and her Grandmother…

After the show, which left both Kieran and Angela in awe, the two found themselves in a hole-in-the-wall pizza place with no more than fifteen tables. It was intimate and definitely ignored by the masses leaving their matinee shows who preferred big-name restaurants.

“I hope you’re ready for skating,” Kieran said between bites, watching as Angela practically glowed in the soft light of the restaurant.

“You were serious about that?” She asked, her smile never-fading.

“I’m always serious, babe.”

That earned a chuckle from Angela, though she was certainly excited. Hand-in-hand they walked back towards Bryant Park, the Winter Village crowds far thinner than they were earlier in the afternoon when they were there for lunch.

“Two skate rentals, please--” Kieran and Angela said in unison, turning and laughing at each other for a brief moment.

Under the lights of Bryant Park, Angela and Kieran rounded the rink, both seeming so natural on the ice. Kieran through years of experience with his brother, and Angela with her natural talent and good balance. It was something like out of a movie, really, the two arm-in-arm and swirling around the ice.

They woke to sunlight streaming in from the cracks in the blinds, a soft glow filling the room. It was late enough that the clock on the nightstand blinked 12:08, though no alarms dared to wake either. Kieran was the first to roll over, noticing how happy Angela looked curled up in the pillows and blankets.

“Goo’ mornin’, love,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“Mmm,” she mumbled, pulling the blankets closer.

“What do you say to some breakfast in bed? Well, lunch really, but the sentiment is still there…” Kieran chuckled, sitting up. “I’ll take care of it, don’ worry.”

A half-hour passed, and a knock on the door pulled Kieran away from the bed. A muffled ‘room service’ called from the other side, and he pulled the door open a crack to receive a full cart of food.

“I still can’t believe we’re here, right in plain sight of the ball and Times Square…” Angela mumbled as she finally pulled herself up.

“Well believe it, love. We’ve got all day here to ourselves - no need to worry about crowds of people pushed up around us, waiting in the cold for hours… which means we can go for a quick dip down in the pool. I mean, why not?” Kieran suggested, a grin spreading across his face. “I even packed your favorite bathing suit.”

“You had me at breakfast and now you’ve really got me with pool…” Angela laughed, pulling her hair back into a bun.

Lunch was quick with the anticipation of swimming - they practically raced through the hallways to see who would get to the elevator first.

While others around them were getting ready for the cold, they found themselves jumping straight into the heated pool. The fitness center across the hall was occupied, but the pool was just something they had to themselves. Angela quickly wrapped her arms around Kieran and pulled him underwater for a kiss.

“I love it when you do that,” Kieran mumbled as they swam around each other.

“And I love you,” Angela mumbled back, moving in for another kiss.

Their return from the pool was quick, filled with laughter as they took the elevator back to their floor. It was relatively empty - people were occupying themselves with the bars and restaurants around them in preparation for the later celebrations.

“You get ready first, we’re going up to the roof for the guest-only party!” Kieran called as he bent over the suitcase in the closet, digging for both of their outfits.

“An exclusive party? Well aren’t you good!” Angela laughed, the excitement fueling her as she showered and prepared herself. She’d always wanted to watch the ball drop right in New York City, and well... Now she can say she has!

The rooftop party was in motion by the time they made it, waiters with trays full of hors d'oeuvres walking around. The ball was in clear view of the rooftop, so close it was almost a little unreal.

“I can’t believe it!” Angela muttered under her breath, turning to press a quick kiss to Kieran’s cheek. “This is amazing!”

A band played live music in the corner, almost competing with noise from Times Square as they prepared for the countdown acts to begin in just a matter of hours. Kieran watched as Angela took the whole sight in, constantly finding her watching the ball from the corner of her eye as the food continued to make its rounds, moving from cheeses to finger foods and even small plates of sushi.

“Thank you, babe,” Angela smiled as she took Kieran’s hand. “This is more than I could have ever dreamed of…”

“What do you say we go celebrate ourselves?” Kieran asked, whispering into Angela’s ear. They had been on the roof for a little over two hours now, enjoying the food and music of the party.

She turned and nodded at him - while the glow of the ball and the energy from the rooftop party was exhilarating, the chance to spend it together in the comfort of their room sounded… better. The noise of the crowds below was almost a little overwhelming - she could see the streets blocked off in all directions to accommodate the sheer number of people standing, and it was still so early in the evening.

When they returned to their room, they were greeted with an ice bucket and a chilled bottle of champagne, complimentary for staying through the New Year.

“Well isn’t that something…” Angela hummed, pulling the bottle from the ice to take a good look at it. “Just for us. This is quite the way to celebrate the new year.” She turned to look out the window, seeing the glow of the crystal ball sitting a the bottom of the flagpole. “I can’t believe we’re so close.”

“I thought you’d like it,” Kieran hummed, wrapping his arms around her.

“I love it,” she replied, leaning up to kiss him.

With four hours left, Angela and Kieran curled up together, the TV playing the broadcasts from around the world. They opened the champagne, only filling their flutes half-way for sipping throughout the evening. And every thirty minutes they got closer to midnight, the found themselves kissing and repeating the countdown to each other. Angela would get up to look out the window, her hair slightly disheveled as she stood. Kieran snapped a few pictures of her standing there, lit up from all the lights and signs down below.

As it neared closer to the ball’s drop, Kieran followed Angela to the window, wrapping his arms around her waist as they both watched the window.

“Look, look! They’re raising it!” Angela said, pointing as the ball was raised up the pole. With only five minutes until the descent, the noise from Times Square erupted into cheers.

“Almost there, love,” he smiled, linking their hands together.

They watched patiently, waiting for the sign that the countdown had started - and sooner than they realized, did the ball begin changing colors and making its way down the pole.

10…9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1

The fireworks and crowds roared outside as Angela and Kieran kissed their way into the New Year.

“Happy New Year, Ang,” Kieran whispered between kisses.

“Happy New Year, Kieran,” Angela whispered back, grinning into each and every kiss.

Another soft morning of light, the hubbub of the city dying down from the festivities. Confetti littered the streets and Kieran and Angela found themselves tangled in the sheets together.

“Happy New Year,” Angela whispered, picking her head up from the pillows.

Kieran stirred next to her, his arms draped around her. “Mmn, yeah, mornin’ love.” He leaned over to kiss her, watching as she smiled.

A knock on the door and a soft ‘room service’ called out - their breakfast they had ordered the night before was right on time.

“Perfect timing,” Kieran said, pressing another kiss to Angela’s lips before climbing out of bed. “Thank you!”

This time, a smaller tray appeared, filled with a whole assortment of breakfast options - fruits, eggs, toast, and cereal - that Kieran promptly placed on the bed. They took their time enjoying it, and each other, before finally pulling themselves from the bed and into the bathroom to get ready for their last day in the city.

“What are we doing today?” Angela asked, quickly braiding her hair as Kieran packed up their laundry.

“I figured I would show you a bit of me,” he said, “just a quick trip before our flight.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah -- we’ll check the luggage, and the car will be ready for us when we get back…” Kieran said, zipping the bag. “Just a brief little detour, though an uber may be easier than figuring out the lines to get over there…”

Alphabet City and the Lower East Side was Kieran’s home for a little over twenty years from 1862-1889 before he moved to Dublin. Upon arrival… it still felt the same to him. The buildings may have changed, and the businesses he used to know may no longer exist, but the feeling was still the same from the last time he was there.

They walked together towards Tompkins Park, where Kieran narrated what his life was like back when Alphabet City was Little Germany, and the controversy surrounding the park itself.

“I remember back when it wasn’t a park - I actually helped plant some of the trees back when they turned it back into public space. I wonder if I still remember where it is…” Kieran mused as they walked into the park.

Kieran ended up finding his tree - of course, with his green thumbs, the tree was in fantastic health. The two took a few selfies underneath the tree - one kissing - to print and save for later. The entire trip was filled with memories they’d never forget.

After wandering the park for quite some time - even playing ping pong on the park’s tables - Kieran and Angela made their way to Mayanoshi, only a block away from the park itself, only to find themselves distracted by a small, hidden botanical garden no bigger than the hotel lobby. While still winter, it was interesting to see how much was still standing and getting ready to grow.

“C’mon, love, we should hurry up and eat before we have to catch our flight,” Kieran called, pulling away from yet another kiss from Angela, smiling brightly.

“Oh, so you’re telling me to hurry up? You’re the one who got distracted by this place first…” she teased, jabbing a finger into his chest.

“Yeah yeah,” he said, waving her off with a smirk. “Now, let’s go. Sushi, then we best be on our way.”

“Okay, right, let’s go before we run any later than we are…” she chuckled, taking his hand and leading him out of the botanical garden.