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

12:12 —

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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.”

giving up my shy act as I

has no clue.

me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling

I have

I see. That would be…” His words trail off, and he looks

locked in an uncomfortable silence. I raise an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums

12:12

Ava: Its

face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I

catch.

out a sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you

I’m here to

guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way

already turning to leave. “Just don’t go far.

mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the

he’s really leaving me alone, I head toward the personal products

12012

Ava: Its

few tampons and pads, trying not to linger too long on any one brand or box. It’s not like I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in a couple of shirts from the

way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I beeline

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

pounding as I make my purchase, the

friendly smile that I return with a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to

any moment.

bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck into the largest stall, locking it

her approval in my mind.

for the burner phone

Ava. Its Personal

a shoplifter, even though I

ready? Selene

deep breath, steadying myself.