“Keep your eye on the target and your face down. Get ready.” Jane Ann took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger on the over under shotgun. Long, dark hair complemented the emerald green eyes that the teenager possessed so proudly. She had wisdom way beyond her 17 years - or so she thought. She knew more than her friends, more than her teachers, even more than her parents. She was, in her words, “immune to ignorance”. However, the only things that were able to maintain her undivided attention these days were graduation, friends, and boys.
BANG! The bullet left the barrel and quickly shattered the thin clay target, leaving a faint smell of smoke lingering in the air. Jane Ann glanced at her dad, who started to clap with pride. Her mother and little brother, Reid, shouted with satisfaction. Jane Ann just smiled. This moment at the shooting range was the first time that she actually began to enjoy herself on this surprise vacation. The family was working as a unit – supporting and helping each other succeed.

For the know-it-all high school senior, the initial thought of spending the last four days of Christmas break on vacation with her family was less than appealing. When her mother had revealed the surprise trip on Christmas Day, the reaction that she received from her only daughter surprised her.

“Why do we have to go during the break? I had plans to spend this last weekend with my friends.” she had complained before the family departed.

“It’ll be fun, Jane Ann.” her mother gritted through her teeth, annoyance in her voice.

“We’re spending time together as a family.”

Jane Ann rolled her eyes and reluctantly finished packing her suitcase.

“Need any help with those?” her father asked as he passed her bedroom door.

A cold and annoyed response followed.
“No. Leave me alone.”
Senior year had brought both trials and triumphs to Jane Ann. She and her other classmates received more privileges at school. She found herself feeling more independent, and ready to be on her own. Unfortunately, this newfound independence caused her to unknowingly strain relationships with her family members. She couldn’t remember the last time that she spent a weekend at home, or even an entire week eating dinner with the family. Everything about senior year seemed to be go-go-go, and it was easy for Jane Ann to forget about what mattered the most amidst all of the distractions.
“Alright guys, all of the suitcases are packed and we’re ready to go!” her mom called a few minutes later. Jane Ann clenched her fists, hiding her bright green nail polish. She closed her eyes. How was she going to be able to survive this weekend? There was so much that needed to be done at home!

As much as the teenager dreaded leaving town for the weekend, when she arrived at the beautiful plantation in Georgia, their destination, all previous anticipations began to diminish. Different outdoor activities were planned for each day and night of the vacation; activities that Jane Ann and her family loved to do. The family also stayed in a small, two-bedroom cabin together. Talk about spending quality time!

As the vacation continued, Jane Ann actually began to enjoy herself and the company of her close knit family. She felt like she was a kid again, joking with her dad and laughing with her brother, having discussions about the future with her mom. She completely forgot about all of the worries back at school - the scholarships, college essays, the acceptance letters. The only thing that mattered was her family.
On one of the last nights, Reid built a fire in the small fireplace to warm up the cabin’s living room. The family of four sat around together, sipping hot cocoa.

“This has been a great trip.” Jane Ann’s father commented. “I’m glad that we had this opportunity to come here together.”

The other three nodded heads in agreement.

“Especially since it will probably be one of our last family vacations before Jane Ann leaves for college.”

Jane Ann kept her eyes locked on the crackling fire. Her father was right. How could she have been so selfish about coming on this special vacation? Friends are temporary, but family is forever. Spending time with hers was of vital importance and needed to be treated in that way. Reflecting on her mistakes, Jane Ann rose from the rustic couch.

“Anyone want another cup of hot chocolate?”