Nathan and Haley must parent Jamie in the face of a school bully, while Lucas and Peyton adjust to life as a live-in couple. Brooke finds being a role model not as easy as she expected, and Mouth tries to get his old job back.

The past comes home to roost as the residue of deception, anger and romantic mistrust permeates the lives of several Tree Hill residents. Nathan finds himself face-to-face with an old rival, Brooke deals with someone who once hurt her, and Lucas's novel leads him into unchartered and threatening waters.