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

“Okay, folks, let’s stop blocking the hallway and go get lunch,” George said. “Then we’ll stop by the church to pick up Kel’s belongings and head home.”


Kel looked at him in mock surprise. “I have belongings?”


Mary laughed. “Probably not many, all things considered, but that’s going to change. I see a shopping spree in your future.”


“Uh-uh. Maybe a few new clothes so I won’t embarrass you, but that’s it.”


“Kel,” she replied as they finally headed toward the exit of the building, “you could never embarrass us. Well, maybe if you decided to get a Mohawk and dye it bright green…”


“But blue and orange would be alright?” Kel asked with a grin.


“Only on game day,” George told him. “And then it better be the kind that washes out.”


Chapter 38