Abel Ruiz is coming into his own with plenty of friends, a solid career path and a loving girlfriend, but when he gets dumped his self-esteem is crushed.
Naomi Martinez has been estranged from her family for years but is determined to bridge the gap between her and her father so that her son can finally know his grandfather.
Jaris Spain has been in love with the beautiful Sereeta Prince since junior high, but her refusal to even acknowledge Jaris plunges him into a depression and makes him consider drastic measures to get her attention.
Beginning his junior year at Cesar Chavez High School, Ernesto Sandoval didn't want to move back to the barrio until he sees Naomi Martinez and finds himself falling in love.
Teenager Jaris Spain is surprised to hear gunfire in his neighborhood and learns that thirteen-year-old Maya Archer was caught in the crossfire, but a rumor spreads that the shot was meant for DeWayne Pike, and Jaris decides to discover the truth.
Derrick Shaw witnesses a murder on the way home from his after-school job and promises the killer he will not reveal his identity, but his vow of silence begins to weigh heavily on Derrick's mind.
Destini Fletcher is thrilled when popular Tyron Becker asks her out, thinking their relationship will help her become more accepted at Tubman High, but as Tyron belittles Destini's friends and good grades, she wonders if he is as perfect as she thought.
Ernesto does not understand why Naomi, the girl who he cares for, puts up with her abusive boyfriend, Clay, but the dark secrets surrounding their relationship are brought to light after Clay hits Naomi in the face during one of their arguments.
Kevin Walker is determined to be a loner at Tubman High so no one will discover the secret that forced his family to move, but when he becomes the star of the track team, his rising popularity threatens everything.
