When Terry and Kel Coleman run from their abusive father, they end up in Denver. The day they arrive, they meet three street kids named Rudy, Snap, and Josie. The brothers move into the trio's squat where Rudy and the others teach Terry and Kel the ins-and-outs of survival on the streets. While that happens, Terry and Rudy are drawn to each other and begin a tentative relationship.<br><br>Then Kel is almost kidnapped by a man sent by his father to bring him home. Forced to leave their squat to keep Kel safe, they turn to a local pastor for help. Thanks to the pastor, the five young people may find hope for their future -- if they can survive the present. In the process, can the budding relationship between Terry and Rudy survive, or will it be torn apart by the life they're forced to live?

Surviving

“Somewhere where they don’t ask for ID, I bet,” Snap said. Tall, thin, and blond, he resembled a scarecrow with his spiked-up hair and wide smile.


Terry shrugged. “That would be good.”


“Are you running from home?” Josie asked. She was a pretty Hispanic girl, her long black hair tied back at the nape of her neck with a bandana.


“Well which one?” she said with a hard look at him.


“I guess you could say abuse,” Terry muttered.


“Guess? Damn, Ter, you know it was,” Kel spat out.


Rudy held up one hand, saying, “Let’s take this somewhere less public.”


It took Terry a moment to realize they were standing in the middle of the sidewalk, in front of a clothing store, and that pedestrians were making a wide berth around them. Rudy pointed to an empty bench on the center island. Josie and the brothers sat, while Rudy and Snap positioned themselves in front of them, Snap with one foot on the bench, Rudy squatting down, looking at Terry.


Chapter 4