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

“Come here.” Rudy beckoned. Terry didn’t need a second hint. He stretched out, using Rudy’s chest as a pillow. Rudy ran one hand through Terry’s hair, chuckling. “This is going to be shoulder-length pretty soon.”


“Then I’ll tie it back. I like it this way even if it is a pain in the butt sometimes. Besides, the longer it is, the less I look like what the bastard remembers.”


“You’ve been gone for almost a month, or maybe more. I doubt he’s still looking for you, if he ever was.”


Terry turned his head to look at him. “I am not taking any chances! If he finds me, he finds Kel and that is nothappening. Kel’s still a minor. He could drag him back home and God knows how he’d treat him.”


“I understand.” Rudy continued toying with Terry’s hair. “You could shave it off. That would definitely be different.”


Chapter 21