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

The nurse chuckled. “When big brother orders, you do it. Right, Kel?”


“Mostly,” Kel agreed as he got up. “Should I take a couple of the pills now?”


“Definitely.” She got a paper cup, filling it with water, and handed it to him. After he took two pills, he thanked her, as did Terry, and they left.


Ten minutes later they were walking down the mall, looking for their friends.


“Told you the pity factor would work,” Kel said almost jubilantly at the end of the day when the five teens met up again by the bus station on the mall.


“He’s right,” Snap agreed. “Maybe we can make sure he stays sick for a couple of weeks? Just kidding,” he added quickly when Terry glared at him. “Besides which, we didn’t exactly break the bank. We made a few more dollars than normal is all.”


“Good. We can restock the pantry,” Terry suggested.


Rudy laughed. “The food maven speaks.”


“I know.” Rudy squeezed his shoulder. “I was just teasing.”


Chapter 24