The flight from Newark to LAX seemed a lot longer than usual, probably because Anya was so anxious to touch down. While her mom napped, she made a mental list of everything she wanted to do as soon as they got home: go shopping on Melrose with her best friend, Poppy; grab a hot dog at Pink’s; take a long walk on the beach barefoot. “Please fasten your seat belts and prepare for landing,” the pilot’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker. “We’re here! We’re here!” she said, shaking her mom awake. Her mother opened one eye. “Already? That was quick. I could have used a few more hours of shut-eye.” She had to practically drag her mother by the arm through the airport into baggage claim. “Mom, hurry up!” she pleaded with her. “Anya, honey, we have a whole week here. What’s the rush?” “I have so much to do,” Anya insisted. “I want to get it all in.” When they exited the airport, Alexei and Anya’s dad were waiting at the curb in their convertible. Mr. Bazarov kissed his wife before sweeping Anya up into a huge bear hug.
