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

really has no

brothers who follow me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all

but I have

his throat. “Oh, I see. That would be…” His

holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my gaze for a beat before letting

12:12

Ava: Its Personal

as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something

catch.

off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you need. I’ll wait by the entrance. Let me know if you

here to help.”

relief flooding through me. “Thanks.” I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way

don’t go far. And be quick about it.”

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

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

12012

Its

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

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

Burner phones are easy enough to find, and I grab one along

is pounding as I make my purchase, the

smile that I return with a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over

at any

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

hums her approval

packaging for the burner phone

Its

the trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my pocket, along with the prepaid card.

ready? Selene asks.

breath, steadying myself. “As ready as