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

12:12 —

1/7

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.”

in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I settle

guy really has

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

I have a

be…” His words trail off, and he

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

12:12

Ava: Its

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

catch.

pulls out a sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here,

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

already turning to leave. “Just don’t go far.

away, I catch 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

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

12012

Ava: 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

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

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

heart is pounding as I make my

my own. I have to resist the urge to

any moment.

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

hums her approval

the packaging for the

Its Personal

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

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