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 I settle my hands on my

has no clue.

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

but I have

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

bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds

12:12

Ava: Its Personal

he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something

catch.

pulls out 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

I’m here to

cash, relief flooding through me. “Thanks.” I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he wants, but- well, desperate

“Just don’t go

so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket. At least he’s finally

make sure he’s really leaving me alone,

12012

Its Personal

I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in a couple of shirts from the

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

grab one along with

pounding as I make my purchase,

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

any

to my body.

her approval

the packaging for the burner phone

Its Personal

shoplifter, even though I already

you ready?

a deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready as