Gregor silently slid out of bed at two that morning. He had not been able to sleep all night, as he was anxious to start heading for the city. He knew that his parents would be angry at him for sneaking away, and Lizzie would be jealous.
He quietly opened his door, tip-toed through the kitchen, clutched his keys in his fist to prevent jingling, and was nearing out the door when, as if from nowhere, Lizzie popped up to block his way out.
"I'm going with you," she whispered.
"No, Liz, mom would freak."
"Like mom wouldn't freak anyway when you aren't there. I'm coming with you."
"No, Lizzie, you know it's not going to be as bad."
"Give me one good reason why I can't go and you can" They were practically whisper-shouting now.
"Two words: Driver's license."
"I have more legitimate reasons why you should take me with you. One: I want to see everyone again. Two: I can wake mom and dad up now if I want. Three: You-"
Gregor cut her off. "Fine Liz, you can come. But when we get back, you have to explain that you forced me to bring you. Sign the note here, under my name." He held up a note for his parents to leave on the counter. Lizzie took it and signed it, and they headed out the door.
Gregor's car was not exactly in prime condition. It was a piece of junk, pretty much, an '81 Honda; olive green paint chipping. It was not too quiet, either, and sometimes it didn't start up right off. But they were lucky tonight, as it seemed to sense their urgency. They were on the freeway in no time.
It was ten in the morning when they arrived at their old apartment building. Gregor parked his car across the street, and gently shook Lizzie.
"We're here, Liz."