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.”

in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I

really has

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

I

“Oh, I see. That would be…”

an uncomfortable silence. I raise an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding

12:12

Its

show on my face as he

catch.

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

here

relief flooding through me. “Thanks.” I feel guilty using a man’s money when I

don’t go far. And be quick about

walks away, I catch the 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 me some space.

leaving me alone, I

12012

Ava: Its Personal

grab a few tampons and pads, trying not to linger too long on any one brand or box. It’s not like I really need them right

keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I

I grab one along with a prepaid

is pounding as I make my purchase, the

of my own. I have

at any

the transaction is complete, I hurry off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The

hums her approval in

the packaging for the burner phone

Ava. Its Personal

cardboard into the trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already

ready? Selene

a deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready as