Seventeen-year-old Rue returns home from rehab with no plans to stay clean. She meets Jules, who's new in town, at a party at McKay's house. Nate gets in McKay's head when McKay takes an interest in Cassie. Nate and Maddy, who have broken up once again, attempt to make each other jealous. Meanwhile, Kat is pressured to lose something big.

On the first day of school, Rue's excited about her new friend, Jules, but struggles to put the past behind her and gets into trouble at Fezco's. Nate becomes obsessed with Maddy's hookup, Tyler, while trying to get back together with Maddy. Kat finds out that a video of her has surfaced online. McKay takes the stress of college out on Cassie.

Rue and Jules cross paths for the first time since Christmas as East Highland rings in the new year.

As the semester kicks off, Jules questions Rue and Elliot's new friendship. While Cal hunts for answers, Nate makes a tough decision. The lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur as Kat ponders her relationship, and Maddy contemplates the decision to end hers.

Rue pursues a new business venture, Cassie settles into a routine, and Cal finds a target.