"Well, you're not so easy on the eyes either, fellow. But you don't hear me complaining about having to look at your face. And as far as I know, you don't have a blasted choice whether you come to school or not. That isn't my fault, that is just how it is. You taking your anger for the institution out on the one person who is trying to be on your side is not going to get you anywhere. I see it this way, you have two choices... You can come here and sit back in this back room, with not a damn thing to do and be bored out of your mind, or you can at least give me a chance as your teacher. Either choice you make is yours, not mine. Take it or leave it." With that, he walked back toward the door, pausing long enough, "Believe it or not, Beanpole, I was an asshole child just like you. Why do you think I have so many slingshots?" And then he left him to stew, opened the door roughly on purpose because he knew children would go scattering, turned and gave a mischievous smile to Ed with a wink and then bellowed, "Back to your seats you miscreants. Back to work."