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.”

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

really has no clue.

I don’t have any brothers who follow me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,”

but I have

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

me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my gaze for a beat before

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Ava: Its Personal

face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I

catch.

bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what

here

me. “Thanks.” I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he wants,

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

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

leaving me alone, I head

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Ava: Its Personal

need them right now, but the act sells the

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

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

is pounding as I make my purchase, the

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

any

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

approval in

the packaging for the burner phone

Ava. Its

makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things.

ready?

steadying myself. “As