As their lives take them in different directions, Lena, Tibby, Carmen, and Bridget discover many more things about themselves and the importance of their relationship with each other. Like many young adults, they are also learning much more about themselves and facing painful realizations from their pasts, often with tears but also self-acceptance. Though they spend less time with their sisterhood counterparts, they keep their connection intact via phone, email, letters, and, of course, the run-down, never-been-washed pair of blue jeans.