Meet Liberty Hayes, and no, she doesn't give anyone any ground, whether at a rodeo, at school, or anywhere else. Liberty has just moved to Sutter's Crossing, and happily takes up Val's invitation to introduce her to other kids (including Val's cute brother, Cody) in her tenth grade class during the last week before school. Good looks, family wealth, and incredible personal magnetism - Liberty seems to have it all, and in no time, she's gone from nervous newcomer to the girl who is "in the middle of it all". Of course, in no time, Liberty has a boyfriend, too--Cody McQueen. The only person who doesn't want to be part of Liberty's charmed circle is Val's friend, Ryan. Ryan's coolness to Liberty bothers Val, especially because he won't open up to just why he feels the way he does. Liberty is not an academic star; showing off hot new clothes, trolling for parties, and checking out hot guys are school's main attractions. The only subject that really interests her is band, taught by Mr. Henderson, "a total hunk". Used to getting what she wants from every man she meets, from her father to the entire male population of Clarence Cobb Regional Secondary, it doesn't take long for Liberty to act on her attraction to Mr. Henderson.