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.”

in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I settle

really has no clue.

when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner

but I have

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

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 gaze for a beat before letting out a

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Ava: Its Personal

triumph show on my face as he looks

catch.

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

here

using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he wants, but- well, desperate

to leave. “Just don’t go

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 finally giving

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

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Ava: Its Personal

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

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

are easy enough to find, and I grab one along with a prepaid card to activate it later.

I make my

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

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,

approval in my

open the packaging for the burner phone

Ava. Its

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

you ready?

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