Gay teen Jack is hiding out in a bully’s car in the hopes of retrieving his backpack when he’s joined by another stowaway. Brittany, who wants to be called Brandon, is a transgendered classmate also on the run. When the bully crashes his car, it’s the start of a journey that will bring Jack and Brandon together in the hopes of finding a new future.<br><br>Along the way, they meet Buster, a dog that saves their lives; Alvin, who is heading to Denver to sell his car and offers them a ride; and Ducky, a loud-mouthed but loveable woman who is apparently more than just Alvin’s friend.<br><br>When a tornado hits, Jack and Brandon have a chance to prove their mettle and show what they are made of. But is there happiness at the end of their journey?

Breaking into Cars

“You’ve had enough. Busted and I will…” Busted had already started down the road, and was barking and looking back.


“It’s all right,” Elvis told me, giving my shoulder a squeeze. “You did great. But I can move faster…well, get these kids back to the limo.”


I knew he was not just letting me off the hook, but himself as well. I knew I could help more, too, but I did as he asked. The minute I knew my part of the heroics was over, I could feel every scrape and cut on my body. I almost keeled over as he passed me the smaller boy.


I carried both of the little ones and the other boy took hold of my shirt and would not let go. We walked gingerly back to the limo to find Brandon had set up a rough triage station already. He had all the snacks and water that he could find laid out, and was holding the little girl while the mother was busy being sick behind the car. We hugged, babies and all, and then laughed nervously. Then I went and joined the woman in the throwing up section.


Chapter 15