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.”

stare at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as

really has

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

but I have

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

moments, 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

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Its Personal

he looks to the

catch.

a sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels 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.”

man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he wants, but- well, desperate

already turning to leave. “Just don’t

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

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

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Its Personal

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 clearance rack, too -might as well make this little detour

hand, I make my way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for

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

I make my purchase,

with a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to

any moment.

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

hums her approval

open the packaging for the burner

Ava. Its

into the trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the

ready? Selene

take a deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready