Chapter 18
Gaia had finally made her way back to the Giraridi's. Will and Helen looked up, startled to see Gaia so frazzeled, out of breath and wild hair. But her fierce determination stopped them from protesting as she stomped up to Joan's room.
When Gaia barged through the door, startling Joan, Gaia felt suddenly uneasy. "Do you believe in God?"
Joan looked up at Gaia. "Uh, yeah, I guess."
"If I'm crazy, just tell me, but, do you… talk to him?"
Joan's eyes widened. Gaia could see thoughts facing across her face. "I, uh…" Joan looked around, wondering if this was a trick.
Gaia sighed and elaborated, "Because some kid claiming to be God said that you talk to him. So, should I send myself to a crazy camp or what?"
"I… Yeah." Gaia waited. "Yes, I do. Talk to God."
Gaia raise her eyebrows and whistled. "Well, I guess I'm not the only one who's not quite normal."
"You believe me?"
"Why not, He just chatted with me. Although I don't feel all that honored. He was a real jerk."
"Tell me about it. Anyways what did He say?"
Gaia looked down. "He said 'She can hear you'." Before Joan could open her mouth, Gaia clarified. "My mother." Gaia looked to the window, tears threatening to spill. "It's been six years, to the day."
"To what day?"
"Six years ago… my mother was murdered." She pursed her lips. She barely noticed Joan's arm around her. She eased into Joan, resting her head in the crook of Joan's neck. Silent tears fell from her eyes onto Joan's shirt, her whole body shaking. The door creaked open.
"Joan, I was wondering if you knew where I put my, oh." It was Luke. His eyes widened as he saw Gaia bawling on his sister's shoulder. Gaia pulled away from Joan, wiping her eyes furiously. Joan hissed at him to get out but he couldn't make himself move. "You wanna get out of the house? Go to the park?"
Joan rolled her eyes at her brother's idiotic suggestion. It was getting pretty dark outside, but Gaia nodded. It wouldn't be like Washington Square Park in New York, but it would be close enough. Luke smiled, obviously proud of himself. "Great, so, let's go."
He left the two girls to gather themselves and they all headed to the park.