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 —

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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.”

stare at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy

has no clue.

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

but I have

I see. That would be…” His words trail

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

12:12

Ava: Its

on my face as he looks to

catch.

few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you need.

I’m here to

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

“Just don’t

Rowan walks away, I catch the faint sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be

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

12012

Ava: Its

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

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

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

pounding as I make

own. I have to resist the urge to look over

at any

the transaction is complete, I hurry off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is

approval

open the packaging for the burner phone and

Ava. Its Personal

I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my pocket, along

ready?

steadying myself. “As ready as