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

has

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

but I

would be…” His words trail off,

bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene

12:12

Its

triumph show on my face as he looks to the

catch.

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

here

using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the

already turning to leave. “Just don’t go far. And be quick about it.”

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 me some space.

shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me

12012

Its

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

basket in hand, I make my way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out

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

pounding as I make my purchase,

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

any

bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck into the largest

approval

for the burner phone and

Ava. Its

I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself

ready? Selene asks.

deep breath, steadying myself. “As ready