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

has no

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

I have

be…” His words trail off,

silence. I raise an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent

12:12

Ava: Its Personal

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

catch.

into his back pocket, Rowan 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 wait by the entrance. Let me

I’m here

a man’s money when I

once, already turning to leave. “Just don’t go far. And be quick

faint sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket. At least he’s finally giving

last glance over my shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me alone, I head

12012

Its

box. It’s not like I really need them right

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

enough to find, and I grab one along with a

as I make my purchase,

of my own. I

any

body. The restroom is blessedly empty,

approval

packaging for the

Ava. Its Personal

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

ready? Selene asks.

steadying myself. “As ready