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

Terry watched in dismay, tempted to follow him. He probably would have if Snap hadn’t stopped him, saying, “You’re not his boss, Ter. He’ll tell you what’s going on when he gets back. Well…probably.”


“Do youknow?” Terry asked him angrily.


Hearing that made him feel marginally better but didn’t do much to temper his feeling of betrayal. At least it’s a secret from everyone, not just me. But damn it, you’d think, considering what’s going on between us. He paced restlessly, wondering what washappening between the two of them. Am I seeing something that’s not really there—at least in his mind? Does he look at us as just friends with benefits? Great benefits. He almost smiled. But does he think of it as only that? Am I just a guy he likes hanging out with, like Snap? Okay, not quite like Snap because Rudy and I are screwing, sort of. Is that all it is to him though? Just fuck buddies with no…obligation to consider my feelings? 


Chapter 54