On the strip the kids get lit so they can have a real good time/Come Sunday they can just take their pick from the crucifix skyline

On my way home from work Saturday, I stopped by the Sonic on N 1st to get a snack. There I sat, in a striped Oxford shirt and hoodie, waiting for my Coke and mozzarella sticks to arrive, and was bewildered by surroundings.

Apparently, the N 1st Sonic on a Saturday night in Abilene, Texas, is a stop on the small-town cruise circuit. Countless cars were circling the building, most filled with teenagers or small-town folk who've given up on life and/or ever leaving A-Town. One girl - let's call her Tiffany - was walking around to various cars (I guess the cruisers aren't strangers), flirting with pimply faced, Hollister-wearing hot shots. Two of them in the truck next to me wanted to get out, but couldn't because they had pulled up too far. So Tiffany, in her mini bluejean shirt, cowboy boots, tank top and no underwear, exerted herself to push the truck backwards so the boys could jump out.

Now, I just wanted my mozzarella sticks. They're so yummy, especially with marinara sauce. So, I wasn't enjoying watching Tiffany run around and wave at people. I also wasn't enjoying the dizzying effect the cars whipping around the building were having on me. Watching the Abilenians at the fast-food place made me self-conscious, though, looking down at the clothes I wore to work and wondering what these people do or will do for a living. Is a career in store for them? Or will they end up working the graveyard shift at Allsups?

The waitress came out and seemed to think that Tiffany pushing the car was funny. I couldn't really speak at this point. I was so confused as to why people were driving around Sonic for the Hell of it on a Saturday night that I just looked at her, took my food and mumbled a thanks. It took a while for me to back out because the heavy stream of cars entering, with their drivers just dying to see who they know at Sonic, wouldn't let up.

I managed to escape and made it home. This is my home, now. Maybe I should have rolled down my window to talk to Tiffany. I could use some more friends. Then again, maybe not.