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

“These are the sons-of-bitches who broke Ozzie’s nose, Carol,” the apparent leader of the group said. “What should we do about them?”


“He asked for…” Terry started to say. Rudy gripped his shoulder to shut him up.


“You’re welcome to try it,” Rudy stated. “I’m sure those cops would love to have a reason to come over here to see what’s going on.”


The two punks turned to look. Rudy grabbed Terry’s arm, practically dragging him toward the corner and around it onto the cross street. “In there.” They raced across the street and through the front door of a bar.


“You two don’t look old enough to be in here,” the bouncer manning the door said, holding up his hand to stop them.


“No, but when we are, we’d like to be alive to enjoy being here,” Rudy panted out.


“Yeah. Them.” Rudy pointed to the two punks who were just coming toward the bar.


Chapter 16