How to Deal

Halley Marie Martin, a 17-year-old high school student, faces the challenges of her parents' divorce. Her father has moved on to a younger girlfriend that the family disapproves of, adding to her sense of disillusionment toward love.

Halley's older sister, Ashley, becomes engrossed in planning her upcoming wedding. This focus on the wedding creates further distance between Halley and her family, leaving her to deal with her personal struggles on her own.

Halley witnesses her best friend Scarlett falling for a charming yet unreliable soccer star, Michael Sherwood. Despite Halley's attempts to warn her friend about the potential pitfalls, Scarlett remains oblivious to the warning signs.

The drama escalates when Michael unexpectedly dies of a heart defect during a soccer game. This shocking event dramatically alters the dynamics of Halley's relationships and deepens her confusion about love.

In the wake of Michael's death, Scarlett discovers she is pregnant with his child. The revelation adds complexity to both Halley's life and Scarlett's situation, as they grapple with the monumental implications of this news.

Halley and Scarlett devise a plan to escape their troubles, seeking a solution to their overwhelming circumstances. However, their escape plan is thwarted when Scarlett's mother discovers their intentions and insists on honesty.

As Halley continues to wrestle with her feelings and family issues, she encounters Macon Forrester, Michael's best friend. Drawn to his carefree attitude, Halley's attraction to Macon complicates her emotional journey.

Halley discovers her sister Ashley inebriated, reflecting the chaotic state of their family. This moment signifies the unraveling connections within their home as both sisters cope with personal challenges.

Halley becomes aware of her mother's secret rendezvous with a man named Steve. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to Halley's understanding of love and relationships, further straining family ties.

Ashley and her fiancé, Lewis, finally commit to each other at an airport, showcasing the culmination of her wedding plans. Halley witnesses this event, contrasting her personal feelings of loss and transition.

Halley attends a beachside ceremony where her father unites with his mistress. This scene serves as a stark reminder of the fragmented relationships within her family and further underscores her disillusionment.

Scarlett's journey reaches a significant point as she gives birth to a son whom she names after Michael. This moment marks a new chapter in their lives, intertwining grief and hope as they navigate motherhood.

In the midst of all the changes, Halley chooses to rekindle her relationship with Macon. This decision illustrates her desire to find love and stability amidst the tumultuous backdrop of her teenage life.

As Halley navigates the complexities of young adulthood, she reflects on the intertwined themes of love and loss. The experiences of her friends and family shape her understanding of relationships, revealing both their beauty and complications.