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.”

Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I

guy really has no

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

embarrassing, but I have

clears his throat. “Oh, I see. That would be…” His words

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

12:12

Ava: Its Personal

on my face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I can’t

catch.

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

here

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

“Just don’t go

the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay.

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

12012

Its

or box. It’s not like I really need them right now, but

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

are easy enough to find, and I grab one along

heart is pounding as I make my purchase, the

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

at any moment.

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

her approval in my mind.

the packaging for the

Ava. Its

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

you ready? Selene

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