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.”

stare at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as

really has

when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all have one.

I have

see. That would be…” His words trail

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 my head. He holds my

12:12

Ava: Its

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

catch.

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. I’ll wait by the entrance. Let me

here to

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

“Just don’t

it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking

me alone, I head toward the personal products section to make it all

12012

Ava: Its Personal

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

electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast

enough to find, and I grab one along with a

I make

giving me a friendly smile that I return with a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over my shoulder, worried that Rowan

any moment.

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

hums her approval

for the burner phone and

Its

little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought

you ready? Selene asks.

breath, steadying myself. “As ready as