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.”

stare at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act

has no clue.

follow me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner

embarrassing, but I have

That would be…” His words trail off, and he

for a few moments, locked in an uncomfortable silence. I raise an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding

12:12

Ava: Its

triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I

catch.

sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and

here

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

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

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

me alone, I head toward

12012

Ava: Its

need them right now, but the act sells

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

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

pounding as I make my purchase,

a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over my shoulder, worried that

at any moment.

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

hums her approval in

the packaging for the burner

Ava. Its Personal

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

ready?

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