Nick was all packed. His car had food, sleeping bag and a full tank of gas. He had thrown his clothes in a duffel bag and actually cleaned his room up. He was sitting on the hood of his car saying good-bye.

"Ok, so you have my old phone fully charged?"

"Yeah Schmidt, and the charger as you know since you put it in the lighter."

"I just need to make sure you are gonna be fine out there in the open range, all covered in dust and sweat."

"Schmidt, it's a roadtrip, not a round-up."

"I just don't understand why you don't fly to your brother's wedding."

"Look man, I told you, I just want some time to myself, to think." He looked at the ground, thinking of her smile. He hoped he would not just be thinking of her the whole time. "Tell the others good-bye for me, I will text them later."

"You sure you should do that...leave without saying good-bye?"

Nick knew what he meant. He knew Jess would be hurt but he decided on a whim to drive to Chicago and thought it better for her anyway, him leaving. It had been getting weird between them and he couldn't seem to stop himself from making it worse with the long stares and excuses for dong things with her.

"Well, I think Winston will understand Schmidt" he said as he punched Schmidts arm. He was surprised Schmidt even noticed his thing with Jess.

"Well, enjoy your Darjleng Express and let me know what you need when you get jumped by bandits in Texas."

He got behind his driver's seat and headed out, highway 10, east bound.

Jess came home from school tired and wanting to change out of her clothes. The loft felt cool and she couldn't wait to zone out all weekend with Nick and the guys. She changed into pajamas and as she hung up her dress in her room and then noticed the note on her desk. It was from Nick.

Jess,

I decided to go on a road trip to Chicago. It was kind of a last minute decision. I hope you have a good couple of weeks. Schmidt gave me his phone so text me anytime.

Nick

Her heart fell out of her body. Nick left. He left and didn't say good-bye?

She sat on her bed and stared at the letter. For some reason she touched the words on the paper, wishing to understand them better. Why had he done this? She wondered if he knew this would make her sad. Was it because of all those weird moments between them lately. Probably not, she thought. But it was really random.

She grabbed her phone and texted him

Miss you already

Within a minute

Me too.