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

really has no

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

I have a

be…” His words trail off, and

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

he looks

catch.

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

here to

man’s money when I have no interest in sticking

“Just don’t go far. And

walks away, 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

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

12012

Its Personal

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 make this little detour worthwhile.

an eye out for Rowan. The coast

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

is pounding as I

own. I have to resist the urge to look over my shoulder, worried that Rowan

any moment.

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

hums her approval

the packaging for the burner phone

Its Personal

little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my

you ready?

breath, steadying myself. “As