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

“He isa priest,” Snap pointed out. “And a good man. He’s helped us before a few times, letting us stay in one of the Sunday school rooms when it was really cold.”


“Okay, if we’re ready, let’s move,” Rudy said.


“I’m going to miss this place,” Josie said sadly. “It’s not much but it was our home for almost two years.”


Snap hugged her tightly. “We’ll find another squat. Honest. There’s plenty of abandoned buildings and not everyone has been taken over by kids, or adults, like us.”


“I hope,” Terry said under his breath. 10


Once they were safely ensconced in a basement room at the church—one that also served as a storage room—the teens spread out their sleeping bags and managed to get some sleep.


They woke the next morning to the sound of people on the other side of the door. For a moment Kel panicked and it was obvious the others did as well. Then they all sighed quietly in relief when they realized they were safe—for now.


Chapter 28