If He Had Been with Me, #2
If Only I Had Told Her
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Finn — Sixteen
Overview
Finn drives to Sylvie’s house to end their relationship, torn because he still loves her but is committed to Autumn. He resolves that Sylvie deserves someone who loves her wholly and that he must be honest to start fresh with Autumn. Sylvie rushes out into the rain and angrily confronts him, setting the stage for the breakup.
Summary
Finn approaches Sylvie’s house in the rain, reflecting on how her poise and self-made elegance shaped his admiration. He admits to himself that he loves Sylvie, yet knows he cannot stay with her now that he and Autumn have confessed their feelings.
He pauses on the roadside, plays the song he shared with Autumn the previous night, and confronts the pain of choosing to hurt Sylvie. Finn clarifies his motives: Sylvie deserves a partner who loves her as completely as he loves Autumn, and he must end this relationship before he and Autumn can begin theirs without guilt.
Resolute, Finn drives the final stretch to Sylvie’s modest home, remembering their time studying and their attempts at intimacy. Before he even parks, Sylvie runs through the rain and gets into his car.
Faced with Finn, Sylvie brushes back her wet hair and immediately lashes out—“You fucking asshole.” Her fury confirms the emotional stakes and signals the impending breakup conversation.
Who Appears
- FinnNarrator; resolves to break up with Sylvie for Autumn, confronting guilt and responsibility.
- SylvieFinn’s girlfriend; poised and self-possessed, rushes into his car and angrily confronts him.
- AutumnFinn’s best friend and new love; absent but drives his decision to end things with Sylvie.