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 act as I settle my

guy really has

around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I

I

would be…” His words trail off, and he looks

an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent

12:12

Ava: Its Personal

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

catch.

He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you need. I’ll wait by the entrance. Let me know if

I’m here to

I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have

once, already turning to leave. “Just don’t go far. And be

the faint sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head,

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

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Ava: Its

on any 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

toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for

enough to find, and I grab one

I make my purchase, the

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

at any

the transaction is complete, 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 in

for the burner phone and

Ava. Its

plastic and cardboard into the trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought

you ready? Selene

breath, steadying myself. “As