Chapter 16: Chapter 16

After Celeste had showered, Aunt Flory presented each of the girls with their own box of sanitary napkins. "Keep one in your purse, just in case," she instructed. "Mother Nature works on her schedule, but I suspect you two won't be far behind your sister. Lord, where has the time gone?"

"I hope not," Ruby pouted. "I've been waiting for ages. Lots of the other girls at school already started last year."

"It's not a contest," Zoey reminded her. "You won't think it's so great when you have cramps and can't go swimming."

"Haven't you heard of aspirin and tampons?" Ruby shot back. "They're not new inventions. Aunt Flory, you'll get me some, won't you?" she pleaded.

Aunt Flory laughed. "Of course, but let's cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, how about we have breakfast outside? The orioles have arrived, and, as usual, the feeders are busy."

"Did you put oranges out?" Celeste asked.

"Fresh this morning," Aunt Flory said with a laugh. "They won't last long."

***