The war is over, but for 13-year-old Rachel, the battle has just begun. Putting childhood behind her, she knows what she wants: to prove she has acting talent worthy of the school drama club, and what she doesn't want: to fall for someone. Worries about her veteran brother's failing health and repugnance at her mother's unexpected and unwanted pregnancy drive her to seek solace from a seemingly sympathetic, but self-serving teacher. The lies she tells herself hoping to reach solutions to the problems complicating her life merely function to make matters worse.