Amanda walked down the street by herself. She didn’t dare look up from the ground, too downcast to acknowledge anyone. Tears slid silently from her eyes, but she ignored them. As of right now, she didn’t care who saw her cry. As Amanda’s thoughts took over, she ran straight into someone, sending them both to the ground.

"Sorry," she said quietly, "I wasn’t watching where I was going." Amanda glanced up when a hand appeared in front of her, offering to help her up. She slowly took it and rose to her feet, "Thank you."

"It was partially my fault too," the guy in front of her said, "I guess we were both in a hurry." When Amanda didn’t look up at him, he paused, "Are you okay?" She finally glanced his way.

"Oh, yeah," she answered, "I’m just new in town, that’s all. I guess I’m a little distracted."

"Then allow me to introduce myself," the guy said, giving her a bright smile, I’m Peter Tork. And you are?" She waited a second, as if deciding whether or not to say anything.

"Amanda Michael," she finally replied, "Nice to meet you. Maybe we’ll run into each other again. " Before Peter could say anything more, she gathered her things and hurriedly walked down the street.

"Wait," Peter said, getting her attention, "Where are you staying?"

"Nowhere," Amanda answered, "I just arrived in town today. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I really need to go." She turned back around and starting walking away again.

"If you ever need someone to guide you around the city, I’ll be happy to," he called after her, but she never glanced back, "Maybe I’ll see you around." She stopped momentarily and looked back, flashing him a quick and somewhat grateful smile before continuing on her way.

Amanda stopped a little bit up the street and looked in a store window at her reflection. What she saw shocked her for a second. Her tear-streaked face stared back at her, blue eyes meeting identical ones. Light brown hair ended above her shoulders in a messy style. In fact, she barely recognized herself anymore. The expressionless face had always stayed the same since she had left.

Several people passed her, but none of them seemed to notice her presence. This was how it had always been. Amanda had a hard time trying to fit in with the crowd. She couldn’t count the number of times when she had sat alone. There were times when she wanted to be alone for her own reasons, but sometimes Amanda wished that things could be different. Silently, she turned back to the sidewalk and kept heading down the street.

Now that it came to mind, she felt a little guilty about what she had done to Peter on the street. He had seemed like a really nice guy, but she had just gotten out of a long relationship. Maybe she would see him again and accept his invitation of a tour around the city. Amanda supposed that she could at least be his friend. She didn’t have any of those at the moment.

Peter walked in the beach house, wondering about his earlier conversation with Amanda. She had seemed a little distracted, but he sensed it had nothing to do with being new in town. The chances of seeing her again didn’t look likely though. His thoughts were interrupted when Davy, one of his roommates walked into the room.

"Hey Peter," the Englishman greeted him, "What are you doing back so early?"

"I met someone," Peter answered simply and Davy gave him a surprised glance.

"You mean a girl," Davy asked and Peter nodded, "What do you know about her?"

"Well, her name is Amanda," Peter said, "She’s new in town and I have no idea where she’s staying. We only got to talk for a few minutes."

"That’s all," Davy questioned.

"Yeah," Peter replied, "She was in a hurry and I ran straight into her. She did something weird though. I tried making conversation, but she didn’t really say much. Then she turned around and started walking away." Both guys turned around when another roommate, Micky, walked inside.

"What’s up," Micky asked.

"Peter met a girl," Davy said casually.

"Oh, that’s nice," Micky said distractedly. Suddenly he looked back up, "Peter met a girl!"

"Didn’t we just say that," Peter asked, "Doesn’t anyone ever pay attention around here?"

"I guess not," Davy replied.

"So, when do we get to meet this girl," Micky asked.

"You don’t," Peter answered, "You see, I don’t know where she’s staying at. In fact, she’s not staying anywhere."

Amanda glanced up at the sky as storm clouds broke through the blue sky. The gray clouds immediately sent torrents of rain down, soaking her in seconds. People around her began to hurry to get home. Amanda though didn’t have anywhere to go. She couldn’t stay out in the rain. She suddenly noticed a house down on the beach. Hurriedly walking out from the protective awning in front of the stores, she made her way to it, hoping that somebody would be home.

Peter was startled when a loud pounding started on the door. The storm had just started and he wasn’t expecting anybody. Standing up quickly, he walked over to the door and opened it. A soaked figure stood outside the door, though the darkness hid their face, "Can I help you?"

"Would you mind if I stayed here until the storm stopped," a female voice asked, "I don’t have anywhere else to go." Peter stepped back, allowing the person to walk inside.

"Amanda," he said in shock upon seeing her. She glanced up, finally seeing his face.

"Peter," she asked, "Wow, I’m really glad this turned out to be your place."

"Peter," Micky asked, walking in the room, "Who was at the door?" He stopped when he saw Amanda standing there, "Who’s she?"

"Micky," Peter said, "I’d like you to meet Amanda." Micky stared in shock for a second and then stuck out his hand. Amanda shook it quickly, "Amanda, meet Micky, or at least I think it is Micky. He’s acting a little strange today."

"How can you tell the difference," another voice joined in, "It’s Micky." Amanda looked up to see Mike standing there, "Who’s your friend Peter?"

"Mike, this is Amanda. I ran into her earlier today. She’ll be staying until the storm lets up," Peter explained and then turned back to her, "Can I get you anything?"

"A towel would be helpful," Amanda told him, "I was outside the minute it started pouring." Peter pointed in the direction of the restroom, where she could change as well. She walked over and returned minutes later wearing a pair of jeans and a large blue shirt, which almost hung down to her knees.

That very moment, Davy walked in the door and stopped when he noticed that they had a visitor. Amanda noted the stars that appeared in his eyes, "Peter," she asked, hiding behind him, "What’s he doing?"

"Cut it out Davy," Mike told him, "I don’t think she’s interested." The stars vanished and Davy simply gave her a smile, "Amanda, meet Davy. There’s no reason to be scared of him, he’s harmless."

"Are you sure," she asked, looking out from behind Peter. Micky laughed at the frightened expression on her face. She turned to him, "It’s not funny!"

"He doesn’t mean anything by it," Peter told her, "He does it all the time." She stepped out and reluctantly shook the hand that was offered to her.

"It’s nice to meet all of you," she told them, "Hopefully the storm should end soon and I can be on my way again." The four guys exchanged glances and moved to talk together. She watched them curiously, wondering what they were discussing.

"Listen," Peter told them, "She doesn’t have anywhere else to go. I don’t see what’s wrong with her staying here for a while."

"I don’t know guys…" Mike began.

"Come on Mike," Micky argued, "We’ll even help her find an apartment. It’ll only be a few days anyway."

"Yeah," Davy agreed, "Besides, I bet she could use a few friends. I’m fine with it if everyone else is."

"Fine," Mike replied, "but only until she can find her own place. I do admit that she can’t live in the streets until then." They broke the huddle and turned back to her, "Amanda, we’ve decided that until you find a place of your own, you can stay here."

"That’s a nice gesture," she replied, stuttering a little, "but I really couldn’t. I shouldn’t. Thank you anyway."

"It was an anonymous…I mean unanimous vote," Peter said, "It will only be for a couple of days. Please?" Amanda looked up to meet a huge pair of puppy-dog eyes. That was enough for her to change her decision.

"Well, you four seem like nice guys," Amanda admitted, "I guess it wouldn’t hurt me to stay for a few days." Peter instantly turned a full grin on her. She couldn’t help but do the same back.

After a couple of days, the guys began to notice a change in Amanda. When at first she had been shy around them, she started to open up a little. Davy, Mike and Micky began to see a bond between Amanda and Peter immediately. It was hard to miss.

Every morning, the three would wake up to find Amanda and Peter in conversation. No one knew what exactly they talked about, but it was obvious that the two enjoyed the time together. Peter was usually playing a song and sometimes wrote down lyric ideas. Amanda was the supply of some of those lyrics. When things became serious however, she would always pull away and become drawn and reserved. The guys didn’t pressure her though. She would talk when she felt like it.

Davy, Micky and Mike noticed something that Amanda didn’t. Whenever she got up to do something, Peter would always watch her, his eyes following her across the room. They could tell that he was worried about her, but it seemed like he may have been falling for her as well.

Later one night, Peter walked out into the living room. He moved over to the window, looking out onto the ocean view. Then he found his gaze traveling over to the couch, where Amanda was curled up, sleeping. He smiled slightly when he noticed the moon’s soft glow illuminating her face. She looked somewhat peaceful.

The smile faded as Peter remembered how troubled she had seemed before. She had to be running from something…something that she was too scared to tell. He only hoped that she would let him help.

"Peter," a whispered voice asked. Peter looked up to find Amanda looking at him curiously, "What are you doing?"

"I come out here sometimes to look at the ocean," he told her, "It’s really an amazing sight when all the stars are visible in the sky."

"Do you do this often," Amanda asked.

"Just whenever I want to savor some alone time," Peter answered. He looked over to see Amanda’s expression change, her eyes traveling downward, "Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I really don’t mind the company. It’s the guys I want to get away from for a while."

"It’s okay," she told him, "I understand how you feel. Don’t worry about it."

"Come here," Peter said suddenly, gesturing to the seat beside him, "Look at this sight." She hesitated for a second before standing up and joining him.

"Amazing," she said, looking out the window, "It seems so peaceful now." The ocean appeared almost black against the night sky and reflected the millions of stars. Gentle waves rolled onto shore and the sand looked perfectly still. A pale moon shone overhead, shining its light onto the beach.

"It’s a big change from this morning," he agreed, turning to her. He stopped as he noticed that she was looking back at him. Her blue eyes captured the light of several stars, reflecting them at him. She paused too and they both found themselves staring into each other’s eyes. They unconsciously moved towards each other.

Suddenly Amanda stood up and looked away from him nervously. There was silence for a moment, then she spoke up, "Excuse me Peter," she said quietly and moved passed him to the back door. Peter’s eyes followed her, full of concern and worry. When the door had shut behind her, he stood up and followed, exiting the house.

"Amanda," he said from the doorway, causing her to turn around, startled, "Look, I’m sorry about what just happened."

"There’s nothing to be sorry about," she told him, "I did the same thing that you did. We’re both to blame."

"I want to ask you something," Peter said, "If you don’t want to answer, I’ll understand." She looked up at him, "What’s wrong? I want to help you if possible." There was silence for a moment.

"I guess I owe you that much," Amanda replied, and Peter joined her on the steps, "You see, I recently turned seventeen and thought that maybe I could make it in the world. Obviously, you can see that I didn’t." Peter patiently waited for her to continue, "A few weeks ago I left without any explanation, but not before I discovered that my so-called boyfriend had been going out with another girl. Apparently, he was just using me to get to her, not caring whether or not I got hurt. He didn’t even bother breaking up with me. Ever since then, I’ve felt like no one could feel that way for me again, much less that I could feel that way for them."

"I can imagine how it hurts," Peter told her, "but no matter what, there will always be someone out there who loves you. At least you’ll always have me as a friend." He then stood up, letting her be alone with her thoughts. Something made him glance back out the window.

Through the window, he could see her sitting on the back steps. She had drawn her knees up, warming them in the cool night air. Her head was down, cradled on her knees. Peter wasn’t sure, but he thought he heard her crying. A soft voice then began to talk.

"Why can’t I do it," he heard Amanda say, "Why can’t I admit to myself how I feel? Am I that afraid of getting hurt again…that he’ll do the same to me that Jacob did? Just expect too much out of me and then run away with the next girl that he sees?" Peter stepped away from the window now. He then left Amanda to herself.

Peter was up early the next morning. When he walked into the living room however, he noticed something. Amanda wasn’t anywhere in sight. Then he saw the other guys sitting in the kitchen, looking at something placed on the table, "What’s going on," he asked, "What’s that?" They looked up at him and Davy silently handed him a piece of paper. Peter looked puzzled for a second, but glanced down at the sheet.

‘Dear guys,

Thank you for letting me stay with you, but I have to go on. I’ve been enough of a burden for you the last couple of days. I would have stayed to say goodbye, but I couldn’t stand seeing your faces when it happened. I’m really sorry for rushing off like this, but it’s for the best. Please give the letter in the envelope to Peter.

Your friend,

person. I had to leave as soon as possible. As for what happened last night, I felt scared that something would change the friendship that we had. I was scared of feeling that way for someone again. You know what happened the first time. I know you’re not that type of guy, but something is always holding me back from getting too close to someone. Maybe I’ll run into you again sometime soon. Amanda."

Peter looked around for a second and relieved that no one had come to check on him, grabbed a piece of paper. He started writing.

Amanda glanced around at the apartment, trying to forget everything that had happened the night before. It had been the hardest thing for her to do. She knew she liked Peter, but she was too afraid of getting hurt again. She was sure that he wasn’t like her other boyfriend, but something was holding her back. That night, she fell into a uneasy sleep.

"Guys, where’s the paper," Peter called out. Three heads turned around quickly at the voice.

"What do you need it for," Mike asked.

"I’m assuming that Amanda went apartment searching," Peter answered, "I figure that I can find out where she went." Micky picked up the paper and handed it to him.

"Hope you find her," Micky told him.

Early the next morning, she walked out into the living room carrying a cup of tea. It was too early in her case, but once she woke up she couldn’t sleep again. The apartment was completely silent, except for the occasional quiet opening and closing of doors outside. The only good thing was that the apartment was fully furnished. Suddenly, Amanda was startled from noise outside. Guitar music floated into her room and a voice could be heard singing an unfamiliar tune.

When love comes knockin' at your door

Just open up and let 'im in.

It's gonna be a magic carpet ride;

So little girl now don't you run and hide.

I know that you've been hurt before

But don't you be afraid no more.

Throw off the chains that bind

And leave the past behind;

When love comes knocking at your door.

When love comes knocking at your door

Just open up and let 'im in.

It's gonna be a magic carpet ride;

So little girl now don't you run and hide.

You'll see a rainbow ev'ry day,

The sun will shine in ev'ry way.

Throw off the chains that bind

And leave the past behind;

No need to worry anymore,

When love comes knocking at your door

At your door,

At your door,

At your door.

Ah.

There was a knock on the door. Amanda rushed to the door and opened it, revealing Peter on the other side. She gasped in surprise, but allowed him to pull her into a tight hug, "What are you doing here," she whispered, "I thought I’d never see you again."

"I had to tell you," Peter replied, "I knew there was something special about you when I first saw you."

"How did you know where to find me," she asked, "I didn’t tell the guys anything."

"I spent all night calling up some apartment supers," Peter told her, "trying to find where you had gone. One of the supers was very helpful and told me that he had sold the apartment to you."

"That song," she said, letting her voice trail off.

"It was written for you," Peter said, "I heard you the other night, talking to yourself. I never meant to spy, but I didn’t want you getting hurt…again." He paused, "And I won’t let you. I wouldn’t let anyone do that to you again."

"I know that," Amanda told him, "I was sure when I left that you wouldn’t do anything. But you came, just like I hoped." There was silence for a second, "Love came knocking at my door…and I let him in. This time it was for real."