Celia is a senior graduating from high school in a small town in midwestern America named New Richmond. Celia has been involved throughout high school, especially in the school paper, called New Rich, where most of her friends participate as well. Though Celia has known Louis all through high school, she only realized very late into her senior year that she was in love with him. Now, in their last few weeks, she tries to walk home with him and get closer to him, to which Louis is unresponsive. In some way, Celia offends the sensitive Louis, leading him to become detached from her and create distance between them. Celia finds out that Louis doesn't plan to attend the school banquet, a post-graduation celebration for seniors. She tries to convince him to go, and though he is still a bit hostile towards her, he agrees to think about it. Before the banquet, Celia cries, fearing that Louis won't come. Though he is late, Louis eventually shows up. Later into the night, Celia approaches Louis for a dance, but he insists he can't dance. Their friend pushes him into her, forcing them to dance. Celia teaches Louis a little and tries to warm him up, but he stares at her contemptuously, prompting her to stop dancing. Louis pulls away from her aggressively, saying he told her he couldn't dance. Her friend helps her recover after the rejection, taking up a dance with her. Celia tells him that she doesn't belong in New Richmond and that she's glad she's getting out.