Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Maddy's childhood as a pageant contestant gives way to the present aftermath of Nate's attack at the carnival. She tries to hide the marks on her neck, but school staff notice them and involve the police. Maddy resists the investigation while her mother wants charges pursued. Nate denies choking her, and Cal stands beside his son as the accusations begin damaging the family's standing at school.
Rue is sober for the moment and increasingly focused on Jules. Her relationship with Leslie becomes warmer, and she begins repairing her neglected friendship with Lexi. Ali encourages Rue to be honest with the recovery group, where she admits that her earlier claims were false and that she has only recently stopped using. She credits Jules with helping her, making the emotional weight of their relationship clear to everyone listening.
A trip to the roller rink brings Rue, Jules and Lexi together, but Jules is uncomfortable with the responsibility attached to Rue's recovery. Kat embraces her new confidence while distancing herself from Ethan, and Cassie tries to restore her relationship with McKay. Cal briefly questions the effect his secret life has on his children. Despite the police inquiry and her visible injuries, Maddy answers Nate's message and meets him at a motel, returning to the relationship that prompted the investigation.