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

has no clue.

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

but I have

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

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 hums her approval in

12:12

Ava: Its Personal

triumph show on my face as he

catch.

peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you

here

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

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

well–guarded, so it should be

he’s really leaving me alone, I head toward the personal products section to make

12012

Ava: Its

box. It’s not like I really need them right now, but the

toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan.

and I grab one along with a prepaid card to

as I make

of my own. I have to resist

any moment.

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

hums her approval in my mind.

for the

Ava. Its

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

ready? Selene

deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready