I needed a break.

I needed a break from my everyday life. I needed a break and classes had just ended for the semester. Luckily, I'm an amazing student and I was able to exempt out of all of my finals. My roommate, Jess, planned to meet me at her family's beach house this weekend. But since I had no reason to stick around, I begged her for the key to let me go early. I was stoked to have the house to myself for an entire week. Her family is loaded so in addition to the house being right on the beach, it's also huge with six bedrooms, a home theater room, and a pool. Did I mention it's only their beach house? It's hardly ever used. I wish I had been lucky enough to be born into such a rich family. I guess I'll settle for being lucky enough to have been paired with Jess our freshman year in the dorms.

"You have to call me as soon as you get there," Jess reminded me for the umpteenth time.

"I know"

"My mom had the housekeeper stock the fridge and pantry so there should be lots to eat. Just make yourself at home." Jess followed me around our apartment as I continued to grab the few remaining items I hadn't packed yet. "You can choose any room except the master. That one is all mine when I get there! And remember not to swim alone at night. I know how you like your midnight swims. But I'll worry-"

"Jess! I know. We've been over all of this." I exclaimed, "seriously, your worse than my mom."

Jess sighed and wrapped her arms around me. "I know. I'm sorry. I just hate I can't go with you right now. I'm so stressed from this last exam and you know my anxiety gets worse when I'm stressed out."

I turned around from my packing and hugged her back.

"Don't worry! I know how much you've studied. You've got this!" I said as I zipped up my bag, "And make sure to pack ahead of time so you can get right on the road as soon as your exam is over. I don't want to be alone down there any more than you want to see me go."

That wasn't entirely the truth. I was looking forward to the solitude, just not necessarily the lonely feeling that sometimes accompanies it. Jess didn't understand that feeling. She is a social butterfly and thrived on human interaction. It is hard to explain to someone that isn't an introvert the delicate balance between needing that time alone to recharge and not having too much time to yourself.

I heaved the bag off the bed and started down the stairs for the front door. After loading up the car, I turned to my roommate.

"Make sure to let me know when you get there."

"Sure thing, Mom" I purposely rolled my eyes and smiled. She knew I was giving her a hard time. She worried about every little thing but after growing up the way I did, I not-so-secretly loved that she worried about me. It was nice to have someone care for once.

One more hug goodbye and then I was in the car and off. It was such a freeing feeling to not have a care in the world. I had nothing holding me to that sleepy town until classes started back up next fall and not a care in the world for the next two months! I settled in for the four hour car ride and cranked up some music to keep me entertained.