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When they were 9
Quentin and Margo were best friends when they were 9 years old. They were neighbors, so of course they hung out a lot. But one day in the park, they found a dead body which they later found out was one of a man who killed himself after a divorce. This event was the only thing they shared now, because as seniors in high school, they don't talk anymore. -
An average day in school
Quentin wakes up extra early and his mom drives him to school, like always, so he can hang out with his band friends before the bell rings. He is classified as a "geek" while Margo is the "perfect" girl with the most attractive boyfriend. They have not talked since they were 9 years old. Quentin comes home, eats dinner, does homework, and then chats online with his friends for a while until...... -
Margo's Appearance
Margo discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her with her best friend, so she plans to get revenge on both of them. After planning everything out, she shows up at Quentin's window because she has no way of transportation. She begs Quentin who is shocked and unwilling to sneak out to help her. He gives in because he would do anything to spend a night with the girl he has been crushing on since he was a child. -
Night of Revenge
The two main characters go out and buy their necessities first. Quentin is confused and worried because Margo's list included fish and spray paint. They have an eventful and successful night, sabotaging her friends and leaving her mark (fish and a spray painted "M"). They also go to downtown Orlando to Sea World and compare the town to a "paper town" because it is flimsy and untrustworthy. -
Margo's Disappearance
The next day, after the revenge, Margo is not to be seen anywhere. Her parents are more annoyed than worried because she has run away multiple times before. Quentin sets out to find her because he thinks this time is different. -
The First Clue
Quentin and his two friends, Ben and Radar, search in Margo's room for clues after noticing a poster facing Quentin's room that she stuck to the back of her window shade. -
Still Missing
Margo is still missing, and people are starting to get worried. Quentin obsessively reads a copy of "Leaves of Grass" because he believes Margo is leading him to it and that he might find a clue. -
A New Clue
A clue in the poem Quentin is reading leads him to a nearby abandoned strip mall, where Margo has been camping out. He searches that same spot many times but can't seem to get anywhere. -
New York
Margo posts on Omnictionary that she'll be in Algoe, NY on May 29. Quentin is relieved to know she isn't dead. -
The Trip
It is May 28, so Quentin and his friends take a trip to New York to try and find Margo. They have some bonding experiences and even get in a little car accident. Many obstacles get in the way of their trip, but they eventually make it. -
The Arrival
After hours of searching, Quentin and his friends find Margo in the Algoe General Store. They missed graduation to find her. -
Disappointment
Margo is mad that she was found because she says she didn't want to be found. She starts yelling at Quentin and all of her friends. Everyone leaves angrily except Quentin. -
A New Life
Quentin doesn't get scared off so easily so he stays to talk to her even though he is a little frustrated and confused. He wonders why he left these clues for him in the first place if she didn't want to be found. -
The Notebook
Margo states that she will not come home and that she will start a completely new life in New York so she can find herself. She shows Quentin her notebook and a mystery story she wrote when she was 9 years old. -
The Ending
Margo wants to get rid of her past, so she puts the notebook in a hole so she can have a new fresh start in life. She kisses Quentin and then they go their separate ways.
