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.”

at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I settle my hands on my hips.

really has no

have any brothers who follow me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my

embarrassing, but I have a goal.

see. That would be…” His words

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 gaze

12:12

Its

triumph show on my face as he

catch.

off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you need. I’ll wait

I’m here to help.”

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

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

about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my

shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me alone, I

12012

Ava: Its

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 out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I beeline for

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

as I make my purchase, the

I return with a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to

any

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

hums her approval in my mind.

open the packaging for

Its Personal

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

ready? Selene

steadying