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.”

up my shy

has no clue.

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

embarrassing, but I have

throat. “Oh, I see. That would be…” His words trail off, and he

stand there for a few moments, locked in an uncomfortable silence. I raise an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene

12:12

Ava: Its

from letting triumph show on my face as he looks to the

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.

here to help.”

flooding through me. “Thanks.” I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the

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

the store being well–guarded, so it should

really leaving me alone, I head toward the personal products section to

12012

Its Personal

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

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

and I grab one along with a prepaid card to activate

as I make my purchase,

that I return with a tight–lipped one of my own. I

any

bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly

approval

the packaging for

Ava. Its

even though I already bought the things.

you ready? Selene asks.

a deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready as