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.”

Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I settle my

really has no

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

I have a

would be…” His words trail

to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my gaze

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Ava: Its Personal

from letting triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something

catch.

and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here,

I’m here to

using a man’s money when I have no

already turning to leave. “Just don’t

the faint sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket. At least he’s finally giving

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

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Ava: Its Personal

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

make my way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The

are easy enough to find, and I grab one along with a prepaid card to activate it

pounding as I make

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

at any moment.

my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck into the largest stall,

hums her approval

open the packaging for the

Its

a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the

ready? Selene asks.

take a deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready