When Gretchen makes her obsessions with Ricky Marachino (the worst kid in class) known to the school by beating up his girlfriend, she joins a group of misfits and delinquents at an emotional growth boarding school. Gretchen escapes with Nick, looking for a romantic adventure, but finds those dreams dashed at a lame rave, Crystal Shortcake. Her misadventure continues, as Gretchen struggles to find out who she is and the father she never knew. The experience is mortifying. And returning to the high school for prom will result in the showdown of Gretchen's life.