The Faculty - Written for Empire Fandom

[prisca]

Title: Always a Rebel?
Character: Zeke Tyler, Mr. Furlong
Word Count: 270
Prompt: rebellion
Rating: PG13

:::

„Mr. Tyler.“ The teacher of chemistry, Mr. Furlong, looked up from the desk. „Just a word?“

Zeke stopped, smirking a bit. „What's up?“

„You think playing the rebel all the time is a good idea? It's only some months until graduation, and it would be a shame if you would fail because of this.“

„Maybe I will go to the army after school; they won't care much about my grades.“

„Now, you can't be serious! With your brilliant mind, you should go to college, not to the army.“

Zeke huffed, surprised. „You think I am brilliant?“

Mr. Furlong smiled slightly. „I don't think so, I know. You like to act like a fool, but I am sure you could answer all my questions much quicker than most others in the class room.

Really, Zeke, it's about time to start growing up. It's not too late. You can still graduate and make it to college. Maybe not MIT or Columbia, but a good city college in AKron or Columbus. I have some connections there and could give you a recommendation letter.“

„Why should you do that?“ Zeke frowned. „Why do you care? After all, I am a real pain in your ass all the time.“

„You are,“ the teacher agreed, not trying to hide his laughter. „But I am sure, deep inside, you are a much better boy than you pretend to be.“ He looked serious again. „I can't force you to do anything, Zeke, but will you at least think about it? I will be here when you are willing to accept my help.“