Confused, she stood there, unable to find words as he began to collapse before her. She felt as though she were watching a movie, rather than standing before her oldest and dearest friend. His tearful questions finally restored life to her limbs and she stepped closer, crouching before him.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I'm really gonna regret this... It is never a good sign when you start reassuring your hallucinations...</span>she thought.<br/><br/>With a gentle, though assertive finger, she lifted his chin in an attempt to bring his face up, trying to get him to look at her.<br/><br/>"Of course not," she said, her tone as soft and gentle as her hand, "You were, and remain, the best friend I ever had."<br/><br/>She sighed, thinking of the long painful years coming to terms with the fact that her best friend had never existed, the counseling, the endless tears, and was about to continue, but her words were abruptly halted when the door opened without warning. A hassled looking student hurried through the door, took a few more steps then stopped dead in his tracks. One eyebrow quirked in amusement, he gazed at the kneeling couple, his brown eyes sparkling with amusement.<br/><br/>"Whaddaya know... the bookworm has a buddy... How cute..." His tone dripped with malice and glee.<br/><br/>"What?" she asked, completely puzzled, "You can see..." Her words trailed off and she looked from Teddy, to the boy, then back again, comprehension dawning on her face. Regaining her composure with an effort of will, she turned back to the boy. "Yes. I do... and I'd appreciate it if we could finish our conversation in private. I assume you came busting in here for some reason that didn't involve invading my privacy or insulting me. Complete your business and be on your way."<br/><br/>She left her gaze on him with an intensity that she hoped would be uncomfortable for him. As expected, he broke eye contact first, and cast his gaze down to the yellowed linoleum floor. Without a word, he stepped past the first couple rows of desks, headed down a row, then bent beside a desk. When he stood again, he held a white, three-ring binder in his hand. Continuing his silence, he returned to the door. Pausing with his hand on the knob, he turned, distaste and anger showing in his expression. Her confidence wavered and she nearly shrunk backward in an attempt to avoid the cruel remark she could see building on his lips.