Ashley remains absent from school after getting caught cheating and plans to transfer to private school. Courtney and Arseman plan a farewell gathering for Ashley.

Concerned about him, Courtney decides to spend some time with Matt. Chris argues with Dylan over Billy's talent at drumming. Matt's sister Erin and transfer student Janice both have trouble fitting in at Hillside.

Matt considers asking his basketball coach to let him back on the team. Brooke catches Matt accidentally reading Courtney's private letter. Chris spreads a rumor to Amanda about Billy's status with the band.

Dylan can't figure out why Billy is so upset with him. Brooke makes a new friend in Stacy. Arseman questions Courtney if there's something more between her and Matt than friendship. Erin wants to attend a sleepover. Dylan spots a familiar face at the Avalon.

Courtney tries to interpret Matt's intentions when he asks her to a movie. Gossip spreads when Dylan asks Janice over to his garage after school.

Ashley returns to Hillside, complicating things between Matt and Courtney. Billy struggles to ask Amanda out, but she questions his maturity.

Rising tensions puts Courtney and Ashley's friendship in jeopardy. Stacy offers Brooke advice on improving her reputation. Dylan and Chris decide to seek a lead singer for the band. Billy tries to impress girls by boasting about masculine feats.

Dylan talks Ashley into a singing audition. Brooke takes Stacy clothes shopping. Billy bats around the idea of asking Ashley out. Matt's past issues are brought back into question.

Dylan's band gets an audition for a gig, but they still lack a lead singer. Matt is suspicious of Dylan and Ashley's friendship. Billy asks Dylan for advice on impressing women. Janice confides in Courtney.

Dylan and Chris make an inappropriate bet. Courtney has a valuable stolen from her locker. Arseman badgers Ashley about an unintended comment made about Chris.

Janice remains under suspicion for the theft of Courtney's necklace. When Arseman discovers Dylan and Chris's bet, she decides to turn the tables on them. Billy attempts to woo Ashley with a gift.

Following the band's concert at the Avalon, Dylan and Chris overevaluate their performance. Brooke discovers a surprising secret that Amanda has been keeping.