High-school student Roylin Bailey tries to impress the new girl in history class, but when when one of his friends disappears, he becomes caught in a web of lies and threats.

Tells the story of Ben McKee, a new sophomore at Bluford High School. At home, Ben is living a nightmare. His mother has married Larry, an abusive man who wants nothing to do with his stepson. And when Larry loses his job and starts drinking, Ben finds himself -- and his mother -- in grave danger.