I think Peter was afraid. He secretly loved Jesus but at the same time he knew nowbody would understand. He knew by not following his friend he had done the wrong thing and by this he still had a connection with Jesus. As it says in the Bible, God punnishes us like Son's because he loves us.

We live in a world that tries not to acknowlege Jesus but his love for us will never end. Jesus said there would be suffering by following him but by his suffering everyone will share in his joy.

 I let pride get in my way sometimes and for me my only hope to be free is the Lord.