(Journey to Kansas)

*April 4th, 1941*

*6:31am*

Anya was riding in the front seat of Olga's car as she was being taken to the airport as the early twilight hours dawned upon the pair as Olga began to speak.

"How's school been going for you? I've heard you met so many wonderful people but I hope that everything is going wonderful for you" Olga (who is now 45 years old) had asked her niece in a gentle tone of voice as she awaited her answer while she continued to drive.

"Everything has been going wonderfully for me, I've met so many wonderful people like Nancy, Calvin, Emma and Claudia. They're quite amazing and a joy to hang out with but how have things been for you, Auntie?" Anya had spoken back to Olga in a polite tone of voice as she continued to stare outside of the window.

"That's truly wonderful! I've been doing pretty good as well. I've been doing work in churches and helping my sister, Maria with personal things as well but we're all doing good" Olga had responded back as her words made Anya smile warmly as she began to speak once more.

"How's Uncle Alexei been doing? I heard he had a small cut but thank god it wasn't too serious or anything.." Anya had asked her aunt in a tone of concern as she eagerly awaited for her answer.

"He's doing well and he's mainly been taking things easy but thank you so much for asking. We all love Alexei so dearly and he has done so much for us.." Olga had answered back as she let out a warm smile as those words gave Anya a good sense of comfort as the pair continued to make their way to the airport.

*7:00am*

Anya and Olga had arrived at the airport as it was quite busy due to the spring season as Olga had helped Anya with her bags.

"Thank you so much for everything and I hope that you have a wonderful spring break, Auntie" Anya had spoken to Olga in a gentle tone of voice as she and Olga gave each other a warm hug.

"You're welcome! Please be safe and be sure to not talk to any strangers, okay?" Olga had advised her niece as she gave her a kiss on the forehead before she walked back to her car.

"I won't! I'll try my best to be as safe as possible but I hope you have a wonderful week and see you then, Love you!" Anya had spoken to Olga as she bid her farewell as she saw her aunt waving goodbye while mouthing the "I love you too" as Anya could see Olga driving away from the airport indicating that the journey had begun for Anya.

"Okay! My flight is less than an hour so I gotta find a good place to sit.." Anya had spoken to herself as she made her way in the airport as she had taken the time to observe the busy and crowded airport which was filled with many people in a rush for their flights as her observation was interrupted by an older gentleman who had tapped her on the shoulder.

"Um, Excuse me? Do you happen to be going to Kansas? I'm terribly not good at remembering flights" The Gentleman had asked Anya in a rather polite tone of voice as he awaited his answer.

"Yes, The flight departs in less than an hour so it's best to get ready so you won't miss it" Anya had spoken back to the gentleman as her words gave him a sense of comfort as he smiled back at her.

"Thank you, You are a lifesaver…" The Gentleman simply spoke back to Anya as he tipped his hat in sign of respect as he proceeded to sit on the section of seats that were for those waiting for the Kansas flight.

"That guy, He looks familiar…" Anya thought to herself as she went over to sit on the same section as the man.

"Do you happen to know a woman named Mrs Smith? I heard she has a lovely daughter named Charlotte…" The Gentleman had asked Anya as his question quickly made Anya turn her full attention to the man as she was confused as to why this stranger knew her friend.

"Um, Yes? Why do you want to know? Are you a relative of theirs?" Anya had asked the young man in a tone of curiosity as she awaited her answer.

"No, just a family friend but I do recall Charlotte's father leaving the family when she was 5 years old but that's all I know but are they doing good?" The Gentleman had spoken back to Anya as those words made Anya wonder who this guy truly is as she had taken the time to allow those words to disgust in her mind.

"Yes, Both my friend and her mother are doing well but I do remember my friend saying that her father isn't around much but she doesn't remember him all that good…" Anya had spoken back to the young man as she noticed that his expression was that of disappointment which made her raise an eyebrow.

"But that's what Mrs Smith has told me! The father was a deadbeat anyways so it truly doesn't matter.." The Gentleman had spoken to Anya as he chuckled to himself as this was followed by the announcement.

"If you are flying to Kansas, then please head to the plane.." A voice had spoken from the intercon as this alerted Anya as she quickly grabbed her things.

"That's my plane! It was nice chatting with you but I hope we can see each other again!" Anya had spoken to the young man as she quickly got up.

"Indeed, I was actually lying about my flight because I wanted to talk to you but I will be going to San Francisco to pursue my dream of being an artist but take care and tell Mrs Smith Charlotte that everything is gonna be okay!" The Gentleman had called out to Anya as he was met with the young girl nodding her head in agreement.

"I will, Take care!" Anya had spoken back to the young man as she saw her walking away as she turned her direction to where her destination was at.

"How odd? He lied about his flight just to talk to me and he never told me his name? Oh well! Maybe he really was just a friend but I have to get to my plane or I'll be in hot water!" Anya had said to herself as she quickly ran to her plane with great eagerness to see her cousin.