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

“I don’t know what half this stuff is,” Snap complained, scanning the menu.


With a straight face, Josie tapped the listing on one of the pages. “A hamburger is ground up beef made into a patty, served on a bun. A BLT is bacon, lettuce, and tomato. A burrito is…”


The guys laughed when Snap put hand over her mouth, telling her, “I know that, dork. But what’s Moussaka and Pastichio and Spanakopita?”


“It tells you right underneath each one…dork,” Josie replied once Snap moved his hand.


In the end, she and Snap opted for food they recognized while Rudy and Terry decided to try some of the Greek cuisine. After they ordered, they relaxed, watching a game show on the TV hanging on the wall in the corner of the restaurant.


“The answer is, what is ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’,” Rudy said at one point. A moment later he replied, “The answer is who is Damocles, Alex,” grinning when Terry high-fived him. “See, I’m not as stupid as I look.”


“Didn’t think you were,” Terry responded. “Umm, I mean…”


Chapter 47