Tired of being the butt of jokes about his biracial heritage and his mother's alcoholism, fifteen-year-old Brodie isolates himself from most of the other kids in his school. Often at odds with his father following his parents' divorce, Brodie's entire support network consists of his girlfriend, Fawn, and best friend, Abel. Things begin to look up for him after he is transferred to the classroom of a charismatic, handsome young English teacher, Mr. Dakota. Unfortunate circumstances temporarily take Fawn and Abel out of Brodie's life. With few others to turn to, Brodie forms a bond with the kind and intelligent Mr. Dakota-a man who has experienced his own share of pain and rejection. But feelings of friendship gradually evolve into unrequited emotions and desires Brodie doesn't understand and isn't sure how to handle. Acting on his feelings will lead to catastrophic consequences for both him and Mr. Dakota... if Brodie cannot learn to move on with his life before it's too late.