Episode 6 of Season 1 of "Forever" kicks off with Justin's thoughts drifting back to Keisha as they drive home, painting the air with nostalgia. Dawn attempts to impart some directions, but her son remains engrossed in texting his sweetheart. Her anxiety heightens as she ponders whether Justin will manage to finalize his early decision application to North Northwestern in time.
Upon reaching their home, they surprise Justin with a sparkling new car, and the excitement bubbles over as they snap pictures, capturing the essence of the sleek ride. Dawn's eyes well up with tears as she lays down the ground rules for the vehicle, her voice tinged with both pride and caution.
Later, in a heart-to-heart with Eric, the conversation turns to Keisha's sex tape. Justin, feeling protective, reprimands his mother for assailing Keisha's character rather than acknowledging the violation of her privacy. He stands his ground, refusing to sever ties with Keisha and openly declaring his love for her.
The next morning, as Justin prepares for his first day of senior year, Dawn approaches him with a thoughtful demeanor. She's reached a conclusion: they must rally around Keisha. She seeks Shelly's contact number and realizes that Keisha hasn't confided in her mother about the ordeal. With resolve, Dawn issues Justin an ultimatum—either Keisha comes clean with Shelly by next Monday, or she will.
Meanwhile, Shelly embarks on a new job journey, celebrating with Keisha before sending her off to school. En route, Justin calls Keisha, relaying his mother's stern ultimatum. Keisha's anger flares, wondering why Dawn is meddling in her family affairs. Conversely, Darius dismisses Dawn's warning as an empty threat, reassuring Justin that there's no need to fret.
After school, Justin picks up Keisha and they delve into the issue of Dawn's menacing behavior. Justin concurs that Shelly must be apprised of the ongoing situation, urging Keisha to confess everything to her. That evening, as Keisha prepares to leave for her night shift, she breaks the news to Shelly. Understandably irate, Shelly vents her frustration on Keisha before storming out in a huff.
Justin, eager to intervene, requests permission to visit Shelly, but Dawn denies him. However, Eric grants Justin leave to meet with Keisha. He drives her around, offering comfort and solace. On his return journey, Justin's heart races as he spots a police car trailing him. Fortunately, the officers do not pull him over.
The next morning, Shelly informs Keisha of her intention to shield her and report the matter to the authorities. She has conducted some research and discovered that legal experts can offer assistance. Keisha begs her not to take legal action, but Shelly remains unyielding. She feels devastated that Keisha lost her scholarship and has been grappling with this alone. Believing that the school and adults have failed her daughter, Shelly is determined to seek justice.
After school, Justin takes Keisha to her aunt's salon to get her hair done. Keisha decides to stay with her aunt until Shelly calms down. While at the salon, Keisha assists Justin with his application essay. There, he also encounters Rodney, an aspiring DJ who shares his passion for music.
Keisha is deeply touched to witness Justin's sheer joy while playing music, prompting her to gently suggest that he seriously consider a career in it. Upon returning home, Justin is confronted by Dawn, who pesters him about his application status. He attempts to explain that he's hesitant about applying for early decision and isn't even convinced that basketball is his true calling. Yet, Dawn remains unyielding, insisting that Northwestern University is the perfect fit for him.
To navigate the application process, Justin seeks assistance from Keisha. Meanwhile, in the evening, Dawn reaches out to Shelly, inquiring about her wellbeing and recommending therapy, emphasizing its beneficial impact on her own life. Taking her advice, Shelly contacts a therapist and subsequently visits Brittany's house, where she has a heartfelt conversation with Keisha.
Shelly expresses her regret for letting Keisha down, while Keisha apologizes for her error that led to the loss of her scholarship. Through mutual understanding, they reconcile, their bond mended.
After a long, arduous night, Justin finally completes his application and requests his mother's signature. Dawn asks to review his essay, but Justin declines, noting that Keisha has already done so. This triggers another heated exchange between them. Frustrated, Justin confronts Dawn, asking what she truly expects of him. He feels that no matter what he does, he can never fully satisfy her expectations.
