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

Josie leaned back on her hands, looking at him. “You and Snap, you got something in common. You were both physically abused.”


“I wasn’t. Not much,” Kel replied. “We told you that. It was Ter who got beat by the bastard.” He sighed deeply. “I just got to clean him up afterwards if he was cut by Dad’s belt, especially the buckle.” After a moment he asked quietly, “What about you? Why did you run? Or do I want to know?”


She smiled dryly. “Probably not. It’s the typical story I guess. Stepfather who thought he’d found the perfect victim. I was twelve when it started. I tried to tell Mom. She didn’t believe me so I ran.”


“Damn, you’ve been on the streets for…what? Four years now? How did you…? No, never mind. I don’t think I want to know.”


Chapter 10