I think my parents are going to do something rash.

I made the epic mistake of telling them my plans. Epic mistake. I cannot regret this enough. My mom, after finding no reasonable airline tickets to Lancaster for tomorrow, called me and proceeded to ream me out for 15 minutes about how stupid I am and what a terrible decision I'm making. It would have gone on for longer had Jill not muttered, "Hang up the phone" in a voice too stern to be refused. Five minutes later, my father called. Five minutes ago, my brother did. All are hell-bent on talking me out of this which, true to course, has (even more) resolutely steeled my conviction to go.

I wish I could make it clear to them - to everyone who seems to be struggling against my happiness! - that I'm done with it. Finished. Jill, good friend that she is, thinks I'm being stupid too. I can admit that: yes, this is stupid. But I'm doing it anyway and she respects that. My family (for I can no longer limit it to parents since my GODDAMNED BROTHER somehow thinks he has a say in my life) seems to have trouble with this concept.

I know my mom doesn't like Steve, or rather, doesn't like what Steve and I have.
I know Jill doesn't like him either, except for the fact that he makes me happy.
Why does one of my best friends get this, but my mother seems to struggle with the concept?

Anyway, they all seem so worked up that I'm afraid I'm going to wake up with my tires slashed or with my parents at my door or with my car mysteriously stolen. It's freaking me out. I almost want to move it to a different lot or leave tonight or sleep in it, just to make sure nothing happens to it. And I hate that I have to think this way regarding my family.

But you know what? Even if this is a mistake, I can get through it. I'll have to do a nine hour drive eventually, and what better way to become familiar with a car than to drive it? What better way to know whether or not I can make a nine hour trip than to drive it? I'm a scientist: I like to experiment and I don't accept what I'm told.

I'm also proud, and I will love calling everyone after I've successfully made this trip and laugh in their fucking faces.

Wish me luck!