Tangled

52 Ava: Its Personal

Why not tell him you need to buy some sensitive things you don’t want him around for? Selene asks.

It isn’t that I hadn’t thought of that–but the electronics section is far from someplace that sells menstrual products.

“What’s wrong?” Rowan asks, and I realize with a start that I’m scowling in his direction.

Oops. “Nothing, I just-“I nibble on my thumbnail, trying my best to look a little distraught. “I need some things, but I didn’t think you’d be following me the entire time, so…”

Rowan smiles in relief, thinking he understands. “It’s fine. You can get anything you want. Clayton can afford it. He’s obnoxiously loaded.”

I was worried my acting was too much, but I guess it’s not enough. I wrinkle my nose and shift from foot to foot. After a moment, I start rubbing one arm, as if I’m beyond uncomfortable with my request.

I was never a very whiny teenager, but I’m trying to

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channel one anyway.

“Oh, no, it’s not that

Personal”

it’s expensive, but–you know.

“Personal… Oh. Oh.” Rowan’s furrowed brow clears as he looks me over. “It’s fine. I have younger sisters.”

shy act as I settle my hands on my

has no clue.

I don’t have any brothers who follow me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my

I have a goal.

see. That would be…” His words trail

eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her

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Ava: Its Personal

fight from letting triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I

catch.

off a few bills and hands them to me.

here

cash, relief flooding through me. “Thanks.” I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no

“Just don’t go

sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket. At

glance over my shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me alone, I head toward

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Its Personal

need them right now, but

my way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out

enough to find, and I grab one along with a prepaid card to activate it

is pounding as I make my purchase,

one of my own. I have to resist

at any moment.

transaction is complete, I hurry off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck into the largest

approval

for the burner phone

Ava. Its

though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my pocket, along with the prepaid

you ready? Selene

steadying