The story introduces four unique 16-year-olds thrust into the upheaval of starting at Memphis High. Fred Johnson, the anxious son of an accountant, struggles with the awkwardness of moving and leaving his old life behind. Stacy Little, profoundly shy and recently orphaned, relocates from California to live under the protective, wealthy wing of her grandmother. Kim Smith, the intellectual prodigy, arrives with her architect mother, relying on cold logic to navigate social challenges. Finally, Liz, the hyper-competitive athlete, forces her family to move so she can attend a school that values her sporting ambitions.

On their first day at Memphis High, fate intervenes. Fred finds an awkward but comforting connection with Stacy, whose shyness prevents her from speaking in class. Meanwhile, Liz instantly recognizes Kim’s genius and recruits her as a strategic advisor for her track pursuits.

In a twist of humorous irony, all four new students-through no fault of their own-end up in detention for ridiculous reasons (Fred crashing into a trophy case, Stacy being too shy to answer, Liz running too fast). Left alone in the classroom, they bond over their shared status as outsiders, forming the New Kids Alliance to survive high school together.

To celebrate their new pact, they plot a spontaneous joyride, with Fred “borrowing” his mother’s sensible sedan. Their destination is a distant lake beach. The day is perfect: filled with sunshine, competitive volleyball, and the electric thrill of new friendship. Fred realizes his friends are beautiful in their swimwear (Kim in pink, Stacy and Liz in black), and the girls enjoy Fred’s athletic physique.

On the drive home, with the mood serene and their future bright, tragedy strikes. Fred is momentarily distracted by a funny meme on his phone. In that split second, he loses control of the speeding car, which violently crashes into a concrete abutment.

The story ends with the heart-wrenching sound of the phone ringing in the Johnson house. George Johnson, Fred’s accountant father, answers, only to receive the cold, clinical notification from the Tennessee Highway Patrol: the car registered in his name was involved in a major accident.