I do not own Joan of Arcadia and I do not own Gaia (Who is from the Fearless series by Francine Pascal, by the way). If you don't know about the Fearless series or Gaia, well, you'll find out along with Joan. Enjoy and reply.

Chapter 1

Joan moaned when her alarm clock went off. How can it be seven in the morning when it was only midnight a couple of minutes ago? Joan groaned and got up.

Joan bumped into an elderly man on her way to school. "I am so sorry."

"Not a problem Joan."

"Why do you always do this to me, God? I just want a normal day, no encounters with people, or person, of a higher power, no errands for God, and no-"

"Joan, it's about time you learned to stop feeling sorry for yourself. There are others in the world who suffer, you know."

"So what is it today? Donate to the Help the Children Fund?"

"I want you to welcome the new student."

"New student? Oh, this is great. With my luck she won't even speak English."

"Have a nice day, Joan."

"Yeah, whatever."

"Class, we have a new student here today." Mr. Sarp This is Gaia Moore, from New York. Gaia, would you like to tell the class something about yourself?"

"Not really," Gaia said. The class laughed. So this is my project. Great. She looks like she came out of the dumpster. Well worn sneakers, army pants, a sweatshirt that probably hasn't been washed for centuries, her shoulder bag. Her pure blond hair was matted with tangles, deep circles under her eyes, and a bruise on her chin. And yet she still remains stunning. Joan hated her already.

"Well, class, I hope that you will put in an extra effort to make Gaia feel welcome."

Gaia walked to the only empty desk, which happened to be my right. I wonder if God planned this out. Probably.

"Hi, Gaia," I said, attempting to make conversation. "I'm Joan Girardi, and I-"

"Look, Joan," Gaia said, turning to look at me. "I'm not looking to make any friends." Talk about harsh. What is with this girl?

"Well, if you want to you can eat lunch with me, you can."

"Thanks for the offer." Joan knew she didn't mean it.

"Hey, Adam," I said.

"Hey," he said.

"Have you met the new girl? Gaia Moore?"

"Nope. What does she look like?"

"Oh, well, she-"

"She looks like this." I turned to see Gaia Moore, in the flesh. "I hope your offer is still good."

"Yeah it is."

"Offer?" Adam asked.

"Just to eat lunch with us," I said. "So, Adam, Gaia. Gaia, Adam."

"Hi," Adam said. Gaia did not reply. She just sat down and started on her lunch.

"I can't believe you can eat that stuff," I said, referring to her tray of lunch food.

"Mystery stew has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember."

"So, Gaia," Adam made an attempt at conversation. "What brings you to Arcadia?"

Silence. "Gaia?"

"Look, you don't ask me questions, I don't break your neck, do we have a deal?"

God set me up with this? I don't see how anyone can help this freak.

"Okay," Adam said. "I'm sorry."

"Whatever," Gaia said as she finished her lunch, got up, and left.