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bed.
    â€œRelax! It’s a rubber spider!” Alexei laughed. “Awesome scream, though, for my movie.” He checked the replay. “If this footage doesn’t get me into film school, I don’t know what will.”
    â€œAre you still planning on going to college to study film?” Anya asked.
    Alexei nodded. “Absolutely. I’ve applied early decision to my top two: UCLA and Tisch at NYU. Fingers crossed. I could hear any day now.”
    â€œNYU?” Anya gasped. “You’re thinking of going to college in New York City? That’s super close to Mom and me! That would be awesome!”
    â€œIt’s my top choice,” Alexei added. “Do you know that Woody Allen went there?”
    â€œAnd you’re going to make your little sis the star of your first big movie, right?” Anya reminded him.
    He dangled a rubber spider in her face. “We’ll see!”

    Downstairs, Anya’s parents were busy catching up—and discussing how they were going to break the big news to their daughter.
    â€œShe’s going to be so disappointed,” Mrs. Bazarov said.
    â€œFelice, we talked about this. We have to do what’s best for us as a family.”
    Anya burst into the living room and flopped down on the couch next to her dad. “Alex is crazier than ever!” she said. “His practical jokes are out of control!”
    â€œTell me about it,” her father said, putting his arm around her. “You don’t have to deal with him every day.”
    â€œBut wouldn’t it be nice if we did?” her mom suddenly interjected.
    â€œNo!” Anya said. “One spider psych-out is enough for me.”
    â€œI mean, wouldn’t it be nice to be back living here in L.A.? All together as a family?” her mother continued.
    â€œIt would—if Dance Divas was here,” Anya said. “But it’s not.”
    Her parents shot each other a concerned look.
    â€œSo I think you and Alexei should hit the beach, then meet us for sushi at Wok ’n’ Roll for dinner,” her dad said. “Sound like a plan?”
    â€œSounds like a great plan,” Anya replied. “As long as you check his pockets first for rubber spiders.”

A Change of Pace

    While Anya was in L.A., Liberty was in Hollywood, Scarlett and Gracie were in Orlando, and Bria was busy hitting the books, Rochelle was bored silly.
    â€œYou can’t just lie around all day staring at your phone,” her mom said, prying the iPhone out of her hand. “Find something to do.”
    â€œI was doing something!” Rochelle replied. “I was texting Scarlett. She’s on the Dumbo ride. I never thought waiting in line for two hours to get on a flying elephant would sound appealing, but it does.”
    â€œIf you’re bored, then why don’t you clean out your closet?” her mom suggested. “Or entertain your brother? Or crack open a textbook?”
    Rochelle pretended to yawn. “Boring, boringer, boringest.”
    â€œThen how’s this for a plan,” she said, handing her daughter her dance bag off the coatrack in the hall. “Head down to Divas and get in some extra practice.”
    Rochelle mulled it over. Busting some moves while the studio was empty over the break didn’t sound all that bad.
    â€œFine, I’ll go practice,” Rochelle agreed.
    â€œThank you!” Her mom heaved a sigh of relief. “I was afraid your butt was going to become glued to that sofa!”

    Rochelle had never seen the studio so deserted. All the rooms were empty and dark, though she could hear loud, pulsing music comingfrom somewhere. She followed the noise down the hallway to Toni’s office and pressed her ear against the door. She listened intently, straining to make out the song. It had a heavy beat and a cool rhythm but it also sounded a bit classical.
    Suddenly, the door opened and Rochelle fell inside the