Fleeing from a horrifically traumatic event Patty Vare (Winona Ryder) is on the run but is suddenly thrown from her horse and loses consciousness. When prep school rebel John Baker (Lukas Haas) discovers her he decides to help the beautiful and mysterious girl by hiding her in his dorm. Mutual attraction soon turns to romance and they explore the realms of young love. But time is against them as the police hunt her down to reveal the dark secret of her past.