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.”

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

guy really has no

buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager,

I have a goal.

see. That would be…” His words trail off, and

an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to

12:12

Its Personal

show on my face as he looks to the ceiling,

catch.

and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you need.

here

feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he wants, but- well, desperate times.

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

should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket. At

me alone, I head toward the personal products section to make it all

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Ava: Its Personal

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 worthwhile.

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 the

enough to find, and I grab one along with a prepaid card to activate it later.

is pounding as I make my purchase, the

return with a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over my shoulder, worried that

any moment.

to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and

approval in my mind.

the packaging for

Its Personal

like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my pocket, along with

you ready? Selene asks.

steadying myself. “As ready as