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.”

at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I settle my hands on my

really has no clue.

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

but I have

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

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

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Its

triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling,

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.

here

relief flooding through me. “Thanks.” I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no

leave. “Just don’t go far. And

sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should

me

12012

Ava: Its

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 sells the story. I toss in a couple of shirts

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

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

as I make my purchase, the

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

any

close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck

approval in my mind.

for the

Ava. Its Personal

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

ready? Selene

take a deep breath, steadying myself. “As