The town of Kenner, Louisiana, is wealthy and quiet. Zoey is an excellent student who also plays three varsity sports. She is best friends with Lola, the prettiest and most popular girl in school. Zoey lives with her aunt and uncle, after the death of Zoey's father (her uncle's brother), and the distance of her alcoholic mother. But Zoey's aunt, Abby, is a raging, angry woman, who beats Zoey continuously. George ignores the problem, and is more concerned about Zoey keeping her mouth shut about what goes on at home. But at school, Zoey meets a new boy named Chase Mathews, who takes an interest in her, and ultimately falls in love with her. Zoey ends up falling in love with him as well. Both Chase and Lola are horrified by Zoey's home life, and they want to find a way to get her help and get her to safety.