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 hardware store is going to love us,” Snap said as he looked at the list they’d made. “And we’re barely touching the surface of what needs doing.”


“Don’t forget rubber gloves and aprons,” Josie pointed out.


“Aprons? We’re cleaning, not cooking,” Snap told her.


“To cover our clothes. Jeez. Don’t you know anything?” She grinned, dodging away when he playfully tried to swat her.


With the list finally complete, they piled into the car. An hour later they were back, parking in the small lot behind the townhomes.


“We have some interested spectators,” Terry said quietly to Rudy, nodding toward a pair of men watching them from the alley.


“Neighbors probably, wondering what we’re doing,” Rudy replied.


“Let’s hope that’s all it is,” Snap said, joining the conversation. “This might be a decent enough neighborhood, but we’re not that far from Colfax and the dealers and punks who hang out there looking to buy or sell.”


Chapter 42