Palm Trees and Power Lines

In the sweltering summer of Southern California, 17-year-old Lea enjoys carefree moments with her best friend Amber. Their friendship provides a temporary escape from the emotional distance that looms over Lea's relationship with her mother, Sandra.

Lea finds it increasingly difficult to connect with her mother, Sandra, who battles her own emotional issues. Additionally, the absence of Lea's father, who has moved on to a new family, exacerbates their already fragile bond.

One evening at a local diner, Lea notices a mysterious older man who winks at her. Her curiosity leads to an awkward encounter with the cook, and when her friends abandon her, the man named Tom intervenes to help her escape.

Later that night, as Lea walks home under the stars, Tom pulls up in his truck and offers her a ride. During the drive, they share stories about their lives, revealing shared struggles with family and isolation.

Lea confides in Amber about her encounter with Tom but downplays its significance. Meanwhile, tensions escalate between Lea and Sandra as her mother begins to reconnect with an ex-boyfriend, adding to Lea's emotional turmoil.

As Lea continues to seek solace in Tom's understanding, their emotional connection deepens. His stories of freedom as a small business owner enchant Lea, pulling her further into a complex relationship filled with longing and desire.

Lea's relationship with Tom evolves into a series of intimate encounters, culminating in a night spent at a motel. Tom's abrupt departure leaves Lea feeling unsettled, yet he reassures her of his intentions by claiming he is helping a neighbor.

During a beach date, a classmate unexpectedly recognizes Tom, igniting rumors that make their secret relationship precarious. Lea vows to keep their connection hidden, while Tom becomes possessive, asserting that she shouldn't see other men.

While dining, a perceptive waitress expresses her concerns to Lea about the potentially harmful nature of her relationship with Tom. She hints at Tom's frequent appearances with young women, making Lea feel uneasy yet determined to defend her connection.

After a night of drinking and jabs from friends about her relationship, Lea discovers Amber leaked their secret. Overwhelmed with emotions, she flees to Tom's motel room, where he comforts her with promises and gifts, reaffirming their bond.

What seemed like a romantic getaway quickly turns unsettling as Tom encourages Lea to engage in compromising situations. Feeling trapped, she seeks refuge but finds herself unable to escape his grasp, revealing the darker side of their relationship.

In a moment of clarity, Lea manages to escape from Tom and rushes to a gas station to call Amber for help. It symbolizes her breaking point and determination to find her way back to safety and normalcy.

Lea reunites with Amber, seeking comfort in their friendship while trying to reconnect with her mother, Sandra. However, the emotional scars from her relationship with Tom linger, making her feel unsettled and abandoned.

Desperate to find closure, Lea ventures back to the motel hoping for a reunion with Tom. When her knock goes unanswered, she turns to a sympathetic neighbor for help, leading to an emotional phone call that exposes unresolved feelings.

As Lea navigates the aftermath of her relationship with Tom, she grapples with the complexities of love, trust, and connection. The experiences shape her understanding of relationships as she endeavors to heal and find stability in her life.