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

guy really has

stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all have one. Somewhere. Right?

I

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

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

Its Personal

he

catch.

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

here to help.”

man’s money when I have

“Just don’t go far. And be quick about

being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking

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

12012

Its Personal

quickly grab a 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

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

grab one along with a prepaid card to activate it

is pounding as I make my purchase,

my own. I have to resist the urge to look over

any

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

her approval in my

packaging for the

Ava. Its

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

ready? Selene asks.

deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready as