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.”

at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act

really has no clue.

any brothers who follow me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling

embarrassing, but I have a

That would be…” His words trail off, and he looks conflicted.

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

12:12

Ava: Its Personal

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

catch.

pulls out a sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and

I’m here to

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

don’t go

hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking

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

12012

Its

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 now, but the act sells the story. I toss

keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast

I grab one along with a prepaid card to

heart is pounding as I make

that I return with a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to resist the

at any

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

her approval

packaging for

Its Personal

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

you ready?

deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready as