Joanie of Arcadia: Babysitting and Burgers

by patrickmgaddis

Joan Girardi is now in her 30's and a single mother of two. Joan's 13-year-old daughter, Joanie, named after her mother, begins to see and speak with God, just like her mother. God gives Joanie the task to babysit for one of her teachers. At the same time, God gives Joan is given the task to skip her work meeting and go to a hamburger restaurant.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Joanie and her best friend, Janie, stood in line waiting to take their school pictures.

"Last night I was looking in the mirror, and I had this huge zit on my chin," Janie said. "I put some cream on it and thankfully, it went away."

"That's good," Joanie said. "Get this, my mom wanted me to wear a dress."

"Are you serious?" Janie asked. "That's so embarrassing. I'm so glad you didn't."

After they took their pictures, Joanie and Janie sat outside at a lunch table.

"Best thing about school picture day," Janie said. "Being able to skip third period."

"You got that right," Joanie said.

"Hey, Joanie!" a voice shouted.

Joanie and Janie turned around to see a 13-year-old boy with dark black hair, wearing a brown leather jacket standing by the sidewalk.

"Who's he?" Janie asked. "Doe he even go to this school?"

"I don't think so," Joanie replied.

"Joanie!" the boy shouted again.

Joanie got up and walked toward the boy.

"Joanie," Janie said. "For all we know, he could be a creep."

"I'm just seeing what he wants," Joanie said.

Joanie walked over to the boy.

"Hello, Joanie," the boy said.

"Hello," Joanie said. "Do I know you?"

"No," the boy said. "But I know you."

"Who are you?" Joanie asked.

"God," the boy replied.

Joanie began to laugh.

"You're God?" Joanie laughed. "I'm sorry, but I doubt God is a 13-year-old."

"I take several forms, Joanie," God explained. "The next time you see me, I'll be someone else."

"Am I on some hidden camera show?" Joanie asked.

"I'm serious, Joanie," God said. "Now, I don't have time to explain things right now. I need you to get a job."

"I'm 13," Joanie said.

"13-year-olds can get jobs," God said. "Get a job, and get it today."

God walked off and Joanie walked over to Janie.

"Who was that?" Janie asked.

"Apparently he's God," Joanie replied.

"God?" Janie asked. "As in the God who created us all?"

"Yes," Joanie replied. "He must be crazy."

"Joanie," Janie said. "Maybe he is God."

"Not you too," Joanie said.

"What did he say?" Janie asked.

"He said I need to get a job today," Joanie replied.

"Girl," Janie said. "We have got to find you a job."

"He's not God," Joanie said.

Later, in 4th period, Joanie and Janie sat in their desks listening to a lecture by their English teacher, Mrs. Rolston.

"Before the bell rings, I just wanted to know if any of you are available to babysit for me after school?" Mrs. Rolston said. "My babysitter cancelled and it's my anniversary."

"Joanie doesn't have any plans!" Janie blurted out.

"Could you?" Mrs. Rolston asked.

"Sure," Joanie said, giving her friend a look.