For Keeps?

Shortly before her senior year, Darcy Elliot sneaks away with her boyfriend, Stan, on a weekend road trip. They visit the University of Wisconsin in Madison, excited about their future, and share a romantic moment by the roadside.

Darcy aspires to write for the school newspaper and meets with the student editors. Although they initially dismiss her articles about Kenosha, they recognize her enthusiasm and encourage her to send in more work.

That evening, Darcy and Stan set up a tent to camp and enjoy a glass of wine. They toast to their future together, but Darcy secretly worries about their relationship, given Stan's plans to apply to architecture school in California.

A couple of months later, Darcy begins to feel nauseated at the sight of food, leading her to suspect she might be pregnant. Stan supports her, but family tensions rise as their parents argue about abortion and adoption.

Concerned about the pregnancy disrupting her college plans, Darcy's mother, Donna, books an abortion appointment. However, after much contemplation, Darcy decides against abortion and chooses to raise the child with Stan.

Darcy and Stan decide to wait until Christmas to tell their parents about the pregnancy. When the news is finally revealed, Mr. Bobrucz reacts with outrage, leading to a fierce confrontation between the families.

Estranged from their parents, Darcy and Stan choose a simpler life, moving into a rundown studio apartment. They get married in a quaint church, solidifying their bond amid the turmoil.

As Stan begins working as a shoe salesman, a guidance counselor suggests Darcy drop out of high school. Outraged, she decides to enroll in night classes while juggling a day job at a hamburger joint.

Stan receives a full scholarship to Caltech but discovers that the university doesn’t provide housing for married freshmen. Rather than telling Darcy the truth, he pretends he was not accepted.

On prom night, Darcy goes into labor and delivers a baby girl, whom she insists should be named Theodosia after Stan's grandmother. Amidst the chaos, her mother arrives with adoption papers, creating further tension.

After seeing her granddaughter, Donna supports Darcy, but their relationship strains as Darcy struggles with postpartum depression. Meanwhile, Stan embraces fatherhood, trying to support both Darcy and their child.

One night, fear grips Darcy when she notices a man lurking outside their apartment. When police arrive, they identify the intruder as Stan’s father, who wishes to reconnect with his son.

Darcy and Stan face escalating financial burdens as they come to terms with the reality of possibly never attending college. When their daughter falls ill, Darcy decides to move back in with her mother.

Stan begins drinking heavily and reconnects with his former girlfriend, Michaela, who tries to turn him against Darcy. However, during their conversation, Stan realizes his enduring love for Darcy.

After discovering that Stan had not been accepted to Caltech, Darcy enrolls him in a new scholarship program without his knowledge. This leads to a tumultuous period as Darcy seeks an annulment from their marriage.