If it wasn't for one faulty clasp, Jack Barakat and Alex Gaskarth would have been nothing more than another one night stand to each other. If Jack hadn't been rushing to college, they never would have met properly in the daylight. If Alex hadn’t had to get to work early, they never would have fallen for one another. If the pendant hadn’t caught the light, they never would have torn each other apart. But on that day, late January, that seemingly insignificant piece of metal did break. Jack was late. Alex was forced to be early. The sun shone at the right angle. And that made all the difference.

When Alex is given the choice between writing a collection of poetry or writing a series of letters to an American soldier as part of an assignment for his English course, he chooses the letter writing task. Soon enough, he is paired with Jack Barakat, a young soldier who is currently serving overseas, who is glad to have some contact from the outside world. Through their frequent letter exchanges, the pair develop a strong friendship. Though never in his wildest dreams did Alex think that it would turn into something more but, you know what they say...stranger things have happened.

Effie's back from England and the guys couldnt be any happier. Jack has some surprises for her when she returns. But happiness sometimes has a price and Ef will soon realize this. Jack and Effie are more in love than before and only one thing can end that...

Alex is a troublemaker, yet he doesn't want to be. It's just that when people get too close, or too personal for his comfort, he snaps. Events of his past have left him afraid of almost any physical contact, and other people in general. He's trying to mend his broken life, and is offered a fresh start after being expelled from his last school. Jack, on the other hand, is depressed. He feels worthless, like a waste of life and space, and has just about the lowest self-esteem possible. He's searching for the affection and comfort he so desperately needs. The meet at a bus stop one day, but are torn apart when Alex has to suddenly run off, without even giving the boys a chance to exchange names. Half a year later, the pair is reunited, when Jack is assigned to be Alex's tour guide on his first day at Dulaney High. Their feelings for one another quickly grow, though they're confused about where, exactly, the relationship is headed. Can the two boys help each other? Are they enough?