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.”

giving up my shy act as I settle my hands on my

really has

my period,” I say,

but I

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

stand there for a few 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 Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my gaze for a beat

12:12

Ava: Its Personal

face as he

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

here

when I have no interest in

“Just don’t go far.

mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay.

one 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

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

toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The

phones are easy enough to find, and I grab one

heart is pounding as I make

of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over my shoulder, worried that

at any moment.

clutching the bag close to my body.

hums her approval in

for the burner

Ava. Its

and cardboard into 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

you ready?

deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready