Zoey has no idea what it means to be normal. Everything she touches has a taste, and her father’s identity is a town secret. Her sisters have their own issues. While it's a struggle for Celeste to connect with the world, Ruby, who has a flair for the dramatic, doesn't worry about anything. Orphaned at birth, the fourteen-year-old triplets live with their aunt and mark seasons by the annual migration of captivating birds. Despite an almost idyllic childhood grounded in Aunt Flory's home-cooked food and family values, Zoey struggles with her identity in a community where the Starling family is the subject of gossip. But secrets run deep in the small town, and the triplets aren't the only ones with something to hide. Zoey soon discovers that the truth isn't obvious and different perspectives shape the world. It's always how you choose to look at things that matters most.

Bugs, Weeds, and Water is created by Evangeline Greene, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Bugs, Weeds, and Water

Two weeks later, Zoey woke to find Celeste standing over her bed. As her face came into focus, Zoey saw she was agitated, wringing Lancelot through her hands.


"What's the matter?" Zoey asked. Shifting over in bed, she patted the mattress beside her. The warm flannel splashed the taste of cloves across her tongue.


"I need some help," Celeste said flatly. "I'm bleeding."


Startled, Zoey shot out of bed. "What happened?" Then she noticed the crimson stain on the front of Celeste's nightgown. 'Better wake Aunt Flory.' "It's okay," she assured her. "Remember we talked about this with Aunt Flory. It's your period." She smiled encouragingly at Celeste. "You got it first. You beat Ruby and me."


"The average age of menarche is 13.6 years," Celeste declared. "Technically, I'm within the normal range."


"Aunt Flory, are you up?" Zoey called, leading Celeste into the hallway. On their way out of the room, she tossed a pillow at Ruby, who grunted and opened her eyes.


Chapter 15