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.”

exasperation, giving up my shy act

guy really has

stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all have

embarrassing, but I have a

throat. “Oh, I see. That would be…” His words trail off, and he looks

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

12:12

Ava: Its

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

catch.

black wallet 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 help.”

man’s money when I have no interest in

don’t go far. And be quick about it.”

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 the money into my pocket. At least

he’s really leaving me alone, I head toward the

12012

Its Personal

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

way back toward the electronics section, keeping an

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

is pounding as I make my purchase, the

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

at any

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

her approval in my mind.

open the packaging for

Ava. Its Personal

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

ready? Selene

a deep breath, steadying