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.”

giving up my shy

has no clue.

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

I have

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

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 hums her approval in my head. He holds my

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Ava: Its Personal

letting triumph show on my face as he looks to

catch.

thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you need. I’ll wait by the

here to help.”

take the cash, 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,

don’t go far. And be quick about it.”

the store being well–guarded, so it should

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

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Its

one brand or box. It’s not like I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in a couple of shirts from the clearance rack, too -might as well make this little detour worthwhile.

section, keeping an eye

find, and I grab one along with a prepaid card to

heart is pounding as I

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

at any

complete, I hurry off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I

approval in my mind.

packaging for the

Ava. Its Personal

the trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my pocket, along with the prepaid card.

you ready? Selene

a deep breath, steadying