Dreams’ Voices. by Steven E. Woods Randy looked at the phone, hesitating to press the buttons. He caught his breath and then he dialed hoping that his cousin was home in Maryland. The phone rang several times and then an answer. “Hello?” Said Ed. “Ed, it’s Randy.” “Randy? What’s up?” Randy then told Ed about how he was leaving home and needed a place to stay. Ed quickly spoke. “Randy, you know you can always come here.” Randy told him he borrowed the money and he was going to take a bus from Chicago and get him all the information. Paula’s mother said she would take him to the bus terminal. The very next day Randy stood by the bus and Paula handed him an envelope. Inside was a paper with Paula’s information and a little extra money. “Paula, I can’t.” Paula gave Randy a hug and pushed him onto the bus. She waved as it pulled away. Randy tried to sleep on the Bus be he began dreaming of things past. He dreamed about the accident the year before. He had been sixteen and his best friend was driving with two other friends in the car. He only remembered breaking glass and a flipping feeling. Then the hospital and being told he was very lucky and that his friends had died. Suddenly the bus came to a stop and shook Randy awake. He heard a voice calling the first stop. “Toledo, Ohio.” It was only a short stop to let off and take on passengers and once it did it they were quickly back on their way. Randy went back to sleep and again he began dreaming. This time about his mothers’ death. She lay in bed trying to take a breath and reached out to him. “Take my hand. Don’t give up on life. I may not be with you, but I will be watching.” With tear filled eyes, he felt a pull at his heart as she slipped away. Her eyes closed, she went limp and she was gone. Again he was jarred by the bus drivers’ voice. “Cleveland, Ohio.” Yet again another quick stop and back on their way. Randy struggled to stay awake, but he couldn’t fight the heaviness in his eyes. He then dreamed about fighting with his stepfather and how he couldn’t live there if he dropped out. Then he and his stepfather argument raised to a heated pitch and Randy ran to his room and packed a bag with anything he could fit into it and ran out the door. Again he was awakened by the driver, “Breezewood, Pennsylvania.” This time they had a long layover. He decided to get off and have a quick breakfast. Randy looked at his watch and it was now 7 a.m. After an hour and a half he was back on the bus to Washington, D.C. and again slipping off to sleep. This time he was talking to a man sitting before him. He was dressed in a leather shirt with fringe and beading, with pants that looked much the same. Long, black hair with a single feather hanged from the right side, framing a dark skinned face with a strong chin and narrow nose. Dark gentle eyes looked back at him. It soon became clear that this figure was that of an Indian. “Randy.” He said with a gentle voice, “Do you know why you are struggling with all these things from your past?” “Yes, God’s out to get me. I’ve done something. I don’t know what. But he’s taken my home, my mother, my best friends. What else do I have?” “Not true. The Great Spirit only wants you to be strong for your life ahead,” The Indian replied, “If that was true, I wouldn’t have lost my friends, everything and ended up alone.” The Indian then moved closer and revealed an aged and cracked face. “What’s your name?” Randy asked. “I am Red Hawk. I am here to guide you on your path. You have much to do in life and I am here to get you back on the right path.” Randy laughed and at first wasn’t sure what to believe. “Oh, so you’re here to guide me? Where were you when I needed you! What are you, an Angel?” The Indian smiled, “If that makes you happy, then so be it.” The Indian continued, “Remember no matter what. If you fight for your life and try to make it the best it can possibly be, you will see later why you have all these lessons. Trust me.” The voice of the bus driver then awoke him. “Washington, D.C.” This was his stop. He shook himself and could see his cousin waiting outside the station. Ed walked him to the car. Randy’s attention was drawn skyward and he could see a bird flying just overheard as they drove home. Ed spoke up suddenly pointed it out. “Did you see that Red Tail Hawk? It’s uncommon for them to be this close to the city.” Randy smiled realizing it was a sign that someone was watching over him. “Do you think I could get back into school here?” He spoke with new found confidence from within. “Of course. We have to get the information from your old school. There is a nice high school near by.” Randy smiled, “Thanks Ed. I would like to get my life back.” Randy looked back at the hawk and smiled he knew everything was going to be alright.