Cut

Elena does not have Group with us but we drop her off in her room on our way there. After we part, Maura and I run into Teddy.

He smiles from ear to ear and starts walking beside me to Group.

Teddy: Good news. I've become a level two.

Me: Congrats.

We get to Group earlier than everybody else. The three of us sit down as Teddy tells us about how happy he is to be a level two. Maura isn't listening. She is turned towards the window as I wonder why everybody at Royal Jokes seems to have a problem with Teddy. I didn't see anything wrong with him. At all.

Teddy: You know what this means?

I awaken from my reverie.

Me: What?

I am confused.

Teddy: Now I can be your escort. And maybe....

Maybe? Maybe what? My heart is pounding with joy.

Me: Maybe what?

Teddy: Maybe I could take you out to the garden.

Maura breathes in sharply and glares at Teddy. What? Is she jealous? And Royal Jokes has a garden?

Teddy acts innocent.

Teddy: What?

Maura: You know what.

Teddy: I don't what you're talking about.

He says this sourly. Its seems that every time I am with Teddy I see a different side of him. Some I'm not sure if I like.

Maura turns her attention to me.

Maura: We can't date other patients here, Emma.

The way Maura says this scares me. Her icy words send a shiver down my spine. Why doesn't she want me to be with Teddy?

Teddy: Who says it's a date? We're going as friends.

What?!

He gives me a look that means 'Play along' so I do.

Me: Uh, yeah, Maura. We're just friends.

She rolls her eyes. Maura looks worried. Very worried. But why?

I need to get some answers.

Me: Uh, Maura? Could you escort me to the bathroom, please?

She nods and stands. Teddy does, too.

Teddy: No need, Maura. I will.

Maura gets a dirty look on her face as she stares at Teddy.

Maura: She's going to find out sometime.

She practically snarls this through her teeth.

Me: What?

Teddy: Nothing.

Me: It doesn't seem like nothing. What's going on? Maura?

Just then, Jessie announces that Group is starting. She tells us to be quiet.

Maura and Teddy sit down and cross their arms.

What aren't they telling me?

Maura turns and whispers to me.

Maura: We'll talk after Group. Right after Group.

I nod.

Then, Teddy turns to me and smiles sweetly. He puts a hand atop mine and sends tingles down my spine.

Teddy: Want to go to the garden right after Group?

I nod.