Malik makes a friend, Jeremy, who is HIV-positive. When Jeremy gets harassed at school, Malik comes to his defense. Meanwhile, Rosie gets sick and Consuela becomes her temporary replacement at the boutique.

The foundation of the Payne house needs desperate repair. Curtis tries to save money by hiring a jackleg contractor, who ends up doing more damage and the Paynes have to move out of their house. Meanwhile, Ella grows closer to Paul, the man at the mall.