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.”

shy act as I settle my hands

has no

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

embarrassing, but I

be…” His words trail off, and

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

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Ava: Its Personal

my face as he looks to

catch.

wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them

here to help.”

a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he

leave. “Just don’t go

store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket. At least he’s

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

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Ava: 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 sells the story.

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

Burner phones are easy enough to find, and I grab one along with a prepaid

I

one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over

any moment.

the transaction 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

open the packaging for

Its Personal

I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my pocket, along with the prepaid card.

you ready? Selene asks.

a deep breath, steadying myself. “As