I wasn't sure why until very close to the end. There is enough suspense to keep your attention to the end. The goal becomes a full-fledged campaign, and when the expected invitation from highly sought Brad fails to materialize, Nicole turns to Chase, her childhood friend and neighbor. Chase, the grunge king and a real outsider to the popular crowd, becomes her love project. With their witty dialogue and humor, Nicole and Chase tell their stories in alternating chapters, bringing to life the high school scene.
Family life is featured here too, as both teens cope with single parents.
It's Bethany, a junior in high school, who discovers her stepsister lying on the couch in the basement. At first, she thinks Diane is just sleeping, but soon realizes that her sister is dead. Being only a year apart, the two girls were very close, sharing a room, as well as their confidences. Diane's suicide however is a huge shock to Bethany. While the parents try hard to forget, Bethany seeks an explanation.