As Moody's friendship with Pearl deepens, Elena's relationship with Mia grows increasingly strained. Unsettled by a faulty reference, Elena snoops into Mia's past while Lexie worries about her Yale admissions essay. Mia bonds with her immigrant co-worker Bebe Chow, who makes a confession with far-reaching consequences.

Moody is envious of Pearl's friendship with Lexie, as Lexie enjoys her newly sexually-active status with Brian. Inspired by Lexie, Pearl explores her budding sexuality and sets her sights on Trip. Mia and Elena find themselves at odds over Mirabelle/May Ling, which ends in an epic showdown and launches a custody battle.