If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 51
Overview
In early October, Autumn’s friend group casually plans a Halloween party while Autumn notes her parents will be away at a marriage retreat. The mood shifts when Angie announces she is pregnant. The group processes the news, and Angie reports Dave is startled yet proud, signaling looming consequences for their relationships.
Summary
On a warm October morning, Sasha mentions the rose bush Autumn gifted her is still blooming, grounding the scene in normalcy. Autumn reflects on senior year settling into routine, her bracelet charm from Jamie, and an ant farm on her desk.
Brooke floats the idea of a real Halloween party with more guests and alcohol, prompting Alex to ask about costumes. Autumn and Sasha refuse, and Jamie also declines. Autumn notes her parents will be away at a marriage therapy retreat that weekend, implying an empty house.
Angie abruptly arrives and announces she is pregnant, stunning the group and overriding the light plans. As the bell rings, the girls walk inside together, asking Angie about symptoms and Dave’s reaction.
Angie shares she’s late, tired, and sore, and that a test confirmed it. She says Dave is freaked out but also excited—almost proud of himself—delivering the news in a flat tone before laughing with an oddly happy sound, hinting at complex feelings ahead for both of them and the friend group.
Who Appears
- AutumnNarrator; declines Halloween costumes; mentions parents’ upcoming marriage retreat; observes Angie’s pregnancy reveal.
- AngieAnnounces her pregnancy; describes symptoms; reports Dave is shocked yet proud; mood mixes monotone and laughter.
- SashaNotes her rose bush is still blooming; joins in refusing costumes; reacts to Angie’s news.
- JamieDeclines wearing a Halloween costume; present with the group during Angie’s announcement.
- BrookeProposes a bigger Halloween party with alcohol; part of the group reacting to the news.
- AlexAsks about costumes for the party; part of the friend group scene.
- DaveAbsent; reported by Angie as freaked out but excited and proud about the pregnancy.
- Autumn’s parentsAbsent; plan a marriage camp therapy retreat over Halloween weekend.