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

guy really has no clue.

for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all have one. Somewhere. Right?

but I have a goal.

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

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 for

12:12

Its Personal

he looks to the ceiling, mouthing

catch.

a few bills and hands them to me. “Here,

here to

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

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

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

me alone, I head toward the

12012

Ava: Its

few tampons and pads, trying not to linger too long 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

the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I beeline for the phone

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

heart is pounding as I

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

at any

close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck

approval in my

the packaging for the burner phone

Its Personal

shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my pocket,

ready?

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