Ten-year-old Cathryn Sweeney gets a new friend in Anjay Gupta, also ten years old, when he is enrolled at Cathryn's Catholic school because of its superior science program. When the duo turns seventeen, Anjay and Cathryn's friendship is tested when the school sport star, Matthew, asks Cathryn out. Anjay doesn't object, and she goes on her date. Now, desperate to go to M.I.T. despite his mother's reluctance and trying to block out the existence of Cathryn's new boyfriend, Anjay sets his sights on the prestigious Lawrence Laboratories Science Scholarship. He uses his science work to avoid his true feelings for Cathryn. On a double date peace offering for avoiding her, the disastrous evening concludes with Anjay's predawn confession of love for Cathryn, but it's too late. She chooses to stay with Matthew, and Anjay abruptly ends their friendship. Bitter, he goes back to his science project. Despite their rift, Cathryn shows up at his presentation for the Lawrence Laboratory Representatives. Anjay's mom tells her son to make amends: life is too uncertain. He resolves to fix his relationship and end the rift with Cathryn. Together, they tentatively restart their childhood friendship, this time both older and wiser.