The film begins with a poignant scene of a high school graduation for the class of 2014. Jade Butterfield (Gabriella Wilde), a shy yet enchanting young woman, is celebrating her accomplishment as she prepares to attend Brown University in the fall. However, it becomes evident that she is quite lonely, having no friends to share this moment with. As she reconnects with her family, her thoughts drift to her late brother Chris, who sadly lost his battle with cancer. David Elliot (Alex Pettyfer), who harbors a long-standing crush on Jade, watches her from afar, never having mustered the courage to approach her.
After the graduation ceremony, Jade and her family—comprising her parents Hugh (Bruce Greenwood) and Anne (Joely Richardson), along with her brother Keith (Rhys Wakefield)—decide to grab lunch at an upscale restaurant. It is here that Jade accidentally bumps into David, who works as a valet. They briefly connect when she asks him to sign her vacant yearbook. Inside the restaurant, Jade expresses her desire for a graduation party to her parents, as she feels disconnected from her peers. Upon receiving their approval, she excitedly invites David. Following this, he takes her for a thrilling joy ride in the car of an arrogant diner, but their carefree moment ends abruptly as David is fired for his scuffle with the rude patron.
Jade's party initially disappoints her, filled mostly with her father’s wealthy adult acquaintances. However, David, wanting to cheer her up, rallies her classmates by feigning a noise complaint to the police, effectively leading them to her gathering. The party soon transforms into a lively event where Jade and David share a memorable kiss while sneaking away into a closet. Hugh, slightly dismayed by the ruckus of teenagers, interrupts to express his pride in Jade with a heartfelt toast, only to be surprised when she emerges alongside David, shocking everyone present. David takes the opportunity to introduce himself to Hugh, striving to make a positive impression. Jade, eavesdropping on their conversation, feels a wave of affection as David expresses his genuine care for her. Their romance ignites as Jade pursues David for a passionate kiss.
As their relationship develops, David attempts to impress Hugh by fixing a car that holds sentimental value due to it being Chris’s. In a show of kindness, Anne invites David for dinner, where the tension rises as Hugh reveals to him that Jade will soon be leaving for an important internship. When questioned about his future, David shares that he has decided against attending college, focusing instead on finding true love. While Anne seems to appreciate his honesty, Hugh is displeased, viewing David's decision as unrealistic. Later that night, Jade sends David a paper plane signal, inviting him back when the lights go out, leading to a romantic encounter that cements their deepening love.
The next day, Jade declines her father's invitation to observe a surgical procedure, shocking him with her rebellion. She confides in David about her reluctance to miss the internship that she’s to leave for in just ten days, but David insists he just wants to enjoy their time together. A montage of their adventures follows, showcasing their carefree love. In a twist, Jade ultimately decides to spend the summer with David, prompting Hugh to announce a family trip to their lake house, seemingly to separate them.
Once at the lake house, David surprises Jade, having been invited by her. When Hugh orders him away, Jade boldly parents her father’s wishes and insists David stay. Hugh expresses concern to Anne about Jade's sudden assertiveness but is reassured by her happiness. As David contemplates college, Anne generously offers to help him with a recommendation letter. However, a shocking turn occurs when David catches Hugh in an act of infidelity, which escalates into a confrontation between David and Hugh, showcasing the intense familial struggles.
Things take a tense turn when Jade and David get caught sneaking into the local zoo with friends. David sacrifices himself to allow his friends to escape, landing him in jail. In a dramatic display, Hugh digs up David's criminal record to break his daughter’s heart. As Jade pleads for his release, Hugh reluctantly agrees but insists she must go for the internship. The conflict between David and Hugh escalates when he insults David's past, leading to a physical altercation between the two, further splitting Jade's loyalties.
After a tragic car accident leaves Jade hospitalized, Hugh uses this opportunity to enforce a restraining order against David and hinder any chance of their reunion. As Jade recovers and expresses a desire to see David, she finds her path blocked, forcing them to separate as she heads to Brown for college, while David remains behind. Time passes, and both struggle with the loss of each other, although their love lingers.
A chance meeting between David and Anne sparks hope, as she acknowledges David's deep love for Jade and arranges for them to reunite at the airport during her holiday break. Despite Hugh's controlling nature, Jade and David manage to reconnect, vowing to be together regardless of the obstacles. Yet, Hugh's aggression escalates. In a moment filled with tension and resolve, Jade confronts her father, finally expressing her independent desires and her wish for David to be a part of her life.
As they prepare to leave together, a devastating fire breaks out in their home, forcing David and Hugh to confront their differences amidst the chaos. In a heroic moment, David risks his own life to save Hugh, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation as they navigate their family’s turmoil together.
The finale circles back to Jade and Anne visiting Chris's grave, symbolizing the emotional scars they've all endured. With her parents now separated, Jade embraces a fresh start with David as they board a flight to California, illustrating their commitment to love amidst their struggles. The film concludes on a heartwarming note, showcasing their shared moments on the beach, as Jade reflects on her first love—an intense and everlasting bond, one worth every battle they've faced.
