Graduation time has almost arrived and the friends are reacting with different emotions ranging from excitement to regret. All that stands between them and their college careers is Mr. Rydbeck's history final. Jackson once again is drawn to Lauren, giving her a kiss and telling her that he loves her. But then a bombshell is dropped on the students: no one passed the history test; no one will graduate!

Lauren decides not to get involved with Jackson again. The gang finds out that Ashley, who is Rydbeck's class monitor, switched exams, ensuring her roommates would fail. When they confront her about this, Ashley admits what she did, saying she didn't want to say goodbye to all her dear friends. She asks for the gang's forgiveness and receives it. Lauren has rethought her decision about Jackson and admits to herself--and to Jackson--that she still has feelings for him. The two make plans to spend the summer together backpacking across the continent.

The graduation ceremony finally takes p