If He Had Been with Me

In November, Autumn’s group discover that Sylvie and her group of friends have stolen their lunch table. The following day, Autumn’s group gets it back, but a cycle begins: The group whose members arrive first take the table. One day, Autumn is the first of her group to arrive in the cafeteria only to discover Finny sitting at the table. Encouraged by Jamie and Noah’s arrival, Autumn marches up to Finny and asks if he’s joining her friends for lunch. After an awkward moment, Finny gathers his things and leaves. Autumn sees Sylvie’s reaction and knows this is more than just a fight over a table.

Autumn’s parents fight on the day after Thanksgiving, the argument ending with her father’s departure. Her mother goes next door to Angelina’s. Autumn makes herself a meal of Thanksgiving leftovers, thinking it can only be better than the tension-riddled meal the day before. She goes out on the porch to eat, deciding the cold is a punishment she will endure.

Some friends drop Finny off and he stumbles to his door, but he can’t find his keys. He sees Autumn and comes to her porch, revealing his state of inebriation. Finny sees that Autumn is cold and gives her his letterman’s jacket.