In The Evening

It is almost dinner time, and as I enter the establishment I notice that it is rather empty. On the far corner sits a girl, very concentrated on finishing her dinner presumably to get back to the book next to her plate. Next to the counter is a man waiting for the cashier to pack his order so he can leave.

As I approach to order I realize that the amount of people has increased. Behind me I see a mother and her two daughters, two couples, and three girls.  The mother orders the same for her daughters and a separate plate for herself. The two couples, although total strangers to each other, order the same thing. Finally the three girls approach the counter and discuss that they should order different things to share everything at their table.

Taking a seat near a window, I begin to try and make myself look busy while my order is ready. The couples have each taken a corner and have began discussing what I presume to be their day and maybe some gossip the acquired throughout the day. Precisely diagonally to me sit the three girls. I immediately observe that one of the girls is sitting on one side, while the other two on the other side. I can infer that the girl sitting alone is the leader because of the way she conducts herself. She begins to plan their weekend and start to give the girls options on what their evening would consist of.

Wondering if I will ever get my food I look up to see one of the workers hand me my food and head out to couple number one to deliver their food as well. As I follow her with my gaze, I see that couple number one has taken books and notebooks out of their bags and sprawled over the table. Probably trying to make the most of their time they continue to study and eat simultaneously. They would both only stop to ask and explain questions on one of the books in the center.

Couple number two has taken another approach to dinner, both still waiting for their order, but not minding one bit, because they seem very engrossed on something on the girl's phone. They get closer, trying to each get a fair view of whatever is on her phone. A few minutes later the guy receives a  phone call and proceeds to answer it. After a few words and a quick laugh, he signals his girlfriend to use her phone, presumably to look something up. As he ends his call they both get up, and take their order to go.

Long since done eating, I begin to observe the tables around me and notice the place has grown rather empty and dark outside. I look up just in time to see the three musketeers are just as ready to leave as me. As I start packing up I turn to the corner and see couple number one still studying oblivious to the time that has already passed.