Observations over Camels and Crown

Just sitting here...people watching; wondering where they are going and where they are coming from. The 3 "kids" next to me, for instance...they are shaking the table, for one. Good friends, Hat offered to buy the first round. Beanie is pretty quiet, drinking Newcastle, hasn't said a word. Then there is Girl, slightly pudgy with dishwater hair and studious glasses perched on a pixie nose. They chain smoke and make casual conversation about the weather. Joined by Mother and Son, they exchange stories of destinations and arrivals; Milwaukee and San Jose.

The four people to my 12 o'clock are beginning their Vegas vacation early. Man doesn't appreciate his wife. His gaze lingers on the tight ass of the chocolate haired waitress leaning over the bar. I wonder how many of his thoughts he acts upon. But, who am I to judge? I am just a spectator.

Son with baby-blues smiles and laughs as he talks to Mom about life and where it is taking him. Beanie still hasn't said a word and Girl lights another Marlboro.

Parker, the 3 year-old on a mission, scurries at my feet as his frustrated parents try to nab him from under the bar table. Busboy changes my ashtray and smiles while catching what he may have thought was a smooth glance at my chest.

Ahh…and the Fraternity Trio. They sit across from me and order light beer. Wimps...I sip my Crown on the rocks and chuckle to myself.

"Quit shaking the damn table!!!" I think to myself.

I glare at Beanie who seems to be getting fulfillment at my expense. Girl decides it's time to go and the weather conversations cease. They are replaced by Maroon-haired boy. Perhaps a theatre junkie? Artist? Meth-head? There I go, judging again...

The Trio talks about throwing a kegger in the bar and exchange grief over drink prices and the fact that they received Lanky for their server instead of Chocolate-hair.

Goodbye to Mother and Son, 2 dollars, 10 cents and 3 Camels later. Their warmed seats are quickly occupied by Grandma in navy blue. Definitely not her natural hair color. Virginia Slims...I wonder if they make her feel more graceful in her quest for cancer? Maroon is talking on the phone and while hiding his face (not a conversation about the weather, I assume).

I smile at Frat 1 and 2 and ask about their college. Yep, I was right...frat boys. I make small talk, then I leave without introducing myself. Not that it matters; it is not like I will ever see them again. They head off to San Fran, and I to Michigan.

I walk past the crowds of people, not making eye contact for fear that someone may see straight in to my brain.

Now at the gate; this crowd is completely different. Most are impatient and fatigued from their travels thus far. Baby cries and Mommy coos, Broker talks a few decibles too high, and 2 year old squeals with delight while watching the 747 outside.
I wait...and watch...and wait.

Where are these people going, and why? Some for weddings, some for funerals. Some for business and some for pleasure. Graduations, anniversaries and birthday parties; reunions and separations. These people pass through my thoughts as quickly as 5:00 traffic. I wonder, and then I forget. A thousand lives pass before me without any interaction save a simple glance. Grandparents, friends and CEO's. Divorcees, Newlyweds and entrepenuers; not affecting my life, but infesting my thoughts and arousing my curiosities about others and where they are going...and whether they wonder about me too.