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

In recent years, Evelyn had scorned Rita's attempts at friendship, quickly walking ahead of her. Today, the books must have slowed her down.


"I hear your sister got her period," Evelyn sneered.


Zoey and Ruby exchanged a surprised look. 'How did she know?'


"Have you been peeking in our windows again?" Zoey asked.


Evelyn laughed. "No, I'll leave that to you," she said smugly. "That's your idea of fun, not mine."


"Buzz off," Ruby warned Evelyn. "Celeste hasn't done anything to hurt you. Why are you so mean?"


Evelyn bit her lip defiantly. "I'm not mean to Celeste."


"You call her Sloweste," Ruby shot back.


Evelyn shrugged. "So? Lots of people call her that. You have to admit she's different."


"So what?" Zoey cried. "You're her friend. At least you used to be."


Rita shifted uncomfortably on her braces.


"Anyway, she's not slow," Zoey snapped. "She's autistic, and you're too stupid to know the difference. She's smarter than you'll ever be."


Chapter 22