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 —

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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.”

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

has no clue.

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

I have a goal.

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

privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent

12:12

Its

fight from letting triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I can’t quite

catch.

a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you need. I’ll wait by the entrance. Let me know if you

here to help.”

using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he wants,

turning to leave. “Just don’t go far.

so it should be okay. I shake my

over my shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me alone,

12012

Its

box. It’s not like I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in a couple of shirts

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

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

as I make my

a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to resist

any moment.

off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck into the

hums her approval in my mind.

open the packaging for the burner

Ava. Its

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

ready?

deep breath, steadying