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

“Nope. Not to me. He did take his belt to Kel a couple of times and then it was like ‘I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was just drunk and didn’t know what I was doing.’ That was when Kel was younger. I put a stop to that, real fast, and—” Terry spread his hands, “—he left him alone after that.”


“Damn good thing you ran, then,” Rudy said tightly as he stood up. “Okay, let’s get over to the drop-in center and get you some sleeping bags before we head home.” He made finger quotes around the last word, grinning a bit.


Kel found a sleeping bag he liked right away. It took Terry longer and while he was digging through the pile, Rudy took Kel aside.


“He’s really gay?” Rudy asked quietly.


“Yeah, and?” Kel replied, his expression tightening at the same time his fists did.


“Hey, relax. I was just asking. It just…I mean him taking the beatings and all for you. You and him aren’t, well you know?” He crossed two fingers.


Chapter 5