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 —

1/7

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.”

Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy

guy really has no clue.

for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all

I have

clears his throat. “Oh, I see. That would be…” His words trail off, and he

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 her approval in my head. He holds my gaze for a beat before letting out

12:12

Ava: Its

as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I can’t

catch.

He peels off a few bills

here

I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in

already turning to leave. “Just don’t go

walks away, I catch the faint sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money

last glance over my shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me alone, I head toward the personal products section to make

12012

Its

long on any one brand or box. It’s not like I really need them right now, but

section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I

easy enough to find, and I grab one

pounding as I

with a tight–lipped one of my own.

at any moment.

I hurry off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The

her approval in

the packaging for the

Ava. Its Personal

shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I

ready?

a deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready as