Chapter 11

Spring rains flood the field by the Steps to Nowhere as Autumn’s group decides the underattended Spring Fling must be cool and they will go. While getting ready, Brooke announces she won’t spend the night because Noah’s parents are away and she plans to sleep with him, insisting it feels right.

At the dance, only about sixty students attend, turning the event into a playful takeover. Autumn and friends dance wildly, even on tables, and cheer when Jamie invites Principal Mrs. Black to a slow dance. During a later slow song, Autumn tells Jamie she loves him. Conversation turns to Brooke and Noah, and Jamie’s discomfort with discussing their sex plans leads to an awkward exchange and a quiet end to the dance.

In the bathroom, Autumn and Angie process how strange it feels that Brooke won’t be a virgin tomorrow. Returning to the floor, Autumn tries to recapture earlier joy but instead spirals into comparisons and questions about desire, fidelity of thought, and the work of relationships.

On Monday at the Steps to Nowhere, Brooke reports she doesn’t feel different except loving Noah more, and admits it hurt. Watching Jamie among the boys, Autumn imagines sex feeling right with him while holding onto her doubts about happy endings.