The Infinity Of Clouds And Us

Three

            I could not sleep last night. I am not really sure if it was because I'm new to this house or because I already had my sleep in the car going here. All throughout the night my head kept bouncing my thoughts around which made it quite impossible to doze off. I turn to my side and take a glimpse of Malcolm's digital table clock.

2:24 am

"Couldn't sleep?" I heard Malcolm's voice. I look at him and he was already looking at me while he lies on his bed; his body facing mine.

"Yeah." I said.

"Me too," Malcom mumbled, "I'm not used to having somebody else sleep in my room." he added.

"Don't you invite your friends over?" I queried.

"Sometimes, but not to the point that they sleep here." Malcolm's voice held back the volume.

"Well, I'm considering myself lucky to be your first sleepover buddy." I got up and sat. The light is turned off so it's pretty difficult to see his face.

Malcolm smiled and he got up and sat as well. I can tell that this kid is as effervescent as I am, on account that we had already met before and spent an entire day together. "What are your thoughts?" He asked me.

"Thoughts? Thoughts about what?"

"Thoughts about moving here? I assume that you have a life in your old city that you might not be happy to leave." He says in a mild tone.

I was not sure if I wanted to imbue the despair and sorrow that my life possessed back in my old home. It is the type of question that if answered will lead into labyrinth. Even so, I told Malcolm. "I am not even sure if I had a life back home. Nobody knew my name. I was practically invisible my whole life, it's only my mom and my friend Grace that knew me." I said.

"Grace? Is she your girlfriend?" I could see his eyes shone in interest even though the lights are turned off.

"No. She's more like a grandmother. She's eighty-four years old, and I met her when I was nine. Ever since I met her, I always went to her to house just to keep her company when I have time." I said. Talking about Grace made me miss her. The memory of her showing me her old photos with her son and husband flashed through my mind. Grace was lissome lady back in her golden days.

Malcolm grew more interested in my story that he leans closer; a penumbra that belongs to him appears. He turned his lamp on and revealed a very intrigued expression sitting on his face. "You miss her?" He asked.

"Of course I do. She's like the grandma I never had."

"She sounds really nice." He said and I could feel his sincerity.

"Yeah, she is. Enough about me. Tell me things about you." I said.

"What's there to know? I'm just Malcolm." he said, tucking in his chin.

"I mean tell me what you like to do; or things you like and don't like." I gave out a smile.

"Well, I have three friends. Best friends. The first one is Lauren, she and I had been friends since the fourth grade after she stood up for me against this kid who used to bully me. Second one is Nelle, she's the person I tell everything to. The last one's AJ, he's the kid that used to bully me. We're friends now." he said, his hands gestured every words he said.

"Lucky you. You have so many girl-friends." I teased him.

"Shut up." He chuckled, "But honestly, I actually like..." He was about to say something when he spaced out and decided to leave me hanging.