Chapter 26: Chapter 26

"She chews gum in class and doesn't get in trouble for that either," Ruby complained.

"I want gum," Celeste piped up, jumping into the conversation.

"Try some chicken," Aunt Flory said. "I tried cutting it a different way."

"I don't want it," Celeste said, pushing it away. "I want gum." She'd been agitated all day, and Aunt Flory speculated that hormones were the culprit. She booked an appointment with Dr. Tanner later in the week but warned Ruby and Zoey to tread lightly around her in the meantime.

"Even Celeste doesn't get away with things the way Evelyn does," Ruby grumbled into her plate. "And she's got an excuse."

"Celeste, honey, finish your dinner," Aunt Flory coaxed her.

"I don't like it," Celeste said, her face fixed into a frown. She pushed her plate dangerously close to the edge of the table. Aunt Flory's fork braked in mid-motion when it crashed to the floor. Zoey quickly shot Ruby a way-to-go look.

Ruby looked stricken. "I forgot," she mumbled.