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

“You know what I mean. Come on, we’re all out back.”


“Yeah, George, Mary, Mr. Abernathy.”


That surprised and worried Terry. “Why’s Abernathy here? Has something gotten screwed up with the guardianship?”


“Not even.” Kel practically danced with impatience. “Come on. He’ll tell you.”


When they rounded the corner of the house into the backyard, Terry saw the lawyer, dressed in jeans and a casual shirt, sitting at one the picnic tables. Neither he nor the Youngs seemed anything but relaxed as they talked.


Mary spotted the quartet first, calling out, “It’s about time you got here. Kel’s been dashing back and forth between here and the front yard for the last hour, looking for you.”


“Have too,” George said as he got up to greet Terry and the others. “Have a seat and tell us all about what’s been going on since the last time you all were up here. Then we have a bit of news for you, Ter.”


Chapter 59