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.”

shy act as I settle my hands on my hips.

really has

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

embarrassing, but I

would be…”

let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene

12:12

Ava: Its

letting triumph show on my face as he looks to

catch.

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

here

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

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

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

last glance over my shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me alone, I head toward the personal products section

12012

Ava: Its

one brand or box. It’s not like I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in

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

to find, and I grab one along with a prepaid

as I make

one of my own. I have to

at any

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

hums her approval in my mind.

for the

Ava. Its Personal

even though I already bought

you ready? Selene

breath, steadying myself.