there was an apology.

he parked. i parked next to him. i couldn't even look at him before i got out of the car. i opened my door, stepped out of my seat. he did the same. i walked over to him, he put his arms around me and we stood in an embrace for several minutes.

finally he said:

"why is your heart pounding?"
"why do you think?"
"houston traffic?"
"yeah... that's it. houston traffic."

he put some air in his tires, filled up his car. really, nothing says love on christmas day like the exxon gas station off I-45 in the woodlands. we talked about christmas and about me driving and a few other things. we both had to go. he hugged me again. we stood there for a few minutes. he buried his face in my hair, then kissed my cheek and asked me to let him know that i got home safely. i know what you're thinking. you're super excited that my cheek got some lip. way to go, stephanie! you say. well, thanks.

i still smell like rock star.

SO MUCH DRAMA.

i just got home. 14.5 hours of driving. 1030 miles. daaaaang chang. the adrenaline from that little incident this morning got me to kansas city without tiring. wow. insane.

so that is how the houston story ends. it was a nice way to leave. the past couple days have been AMAZING. namely because of Sarah and her family. i met one of the most incredible people i've ever met this weekend. i plan on writing all about her tomorrow. she deserves her own entry. :)