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.”

my shy act

really has no clue.

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

I have

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

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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Its Personal

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

catch.

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

I’m here

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

nods once, already turning to leave. “Just don’t go

so it should be okay. I shake my

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

not like I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in a couple of

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

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

as I make my

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

at any

I hurry off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck into the largest stall, locking it behind

approval

packaging for the

Its

little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself

ready? Selene asks.

take a deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready as I’ll