Front of the Class

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1

My name is Bradley Cohen.

But when l was a kid, people called me by lots of names.

My brother, Jeff, called me Dr. Bobo.

My mom called me honey.

And the kids at school?

Well, they called me everything from spaz to freak.

I didn't have many friends actually.

But I did have a constant companion.

I can barely remember a time, when it wasn't there.

Now sometimes, it wasn't a problem for me.

Other times, it was.

Drop what? Drop books?

Stop it.

Are you scared Brad? What's wrong?

Leave me alone.

Fight! Fight! Fight!

What is going on!

Com'on. Bring it on! Stop.

Stop that fighting right now! Stop! Get back to class!

Stop that nonsense. You are in big trouble, mister.

The girl fell in the mud and got dirty.

One thing my Constant Companion and,

I agreed on was that we hated school.

I couldn't wait until I got out.

No more homework, no more books,

no more teachers' dirty looks.

My Companion first showed up, when I was six

but it was years before it had a name.

Now the shrinks said I was just hyper

I made funny noises and acted,

weird to draw attention to myself.

It was just a phase:

I'd grow out of it and be "normal". . .

like everybody else.

Through it all, my constant companion stuck with me.

Now, to my friends,

I'm just regular, ole Brad.

The guy who likes baseball. And who loves cheesy 80s music.

Which they think is much weirder, than the noises I make.

Afternoon, officer. Was I speeding?

Twelve miles over the limit.

St. Louis, huh? You a tourist?

No, I live in Atlanta now, I just moved here.

I guess I was a little distracted...

Son, you been drinking...?

No. No, sir. I have Tourette Syndrome.

Take it easy, son. I'm going to need you to sign this.

So. What kind of job you looking for?

Teaching.

I'm going to be a teacher.

I get that look a lot

but I never let it get to me.

I see you've got a B. A. from Bradley University

that's in Illinois, isn't it?

Yes, ma'am !

Graduated cum laude, high recommendations,

your student teaching evals are outstanding, excellent.

What made you decide to go into teaching?

It's all I've ever wanted to do. I feel like I was born to teach.

Why choose Atlanta?

I mean...Missouri's your home.

I'm thinking of becoming a Braves fan. So, ahh...

Georgia honors my Illinois teaching certificate.

Plus I fell in love with Atlanta

when I worked down here as a camp counselor.

I live here now.

So does my Dad and my Stepmom.

Well, it's nice to have family here to...give you support.

Maybe we should talk about the elephant.

Elephant?

In the room:
my Tourette's.

No. The Americans with Disabilities Act

doesn't allow me to ask you. . .

I know, but I'd like to tell you

just like I tell the kids in my classes.

See, I explain to them that it's a brain thing

that causes me to make strange noises

they're like sneezes, irrepressible.

When you have to,

you have to.

How do they react?

Once they understand, they're fine with it.

It's never caused any problems in a classroom.

All I want is a chance.

Just get me the interviews,

and let me prove to them that I can do the job.

The Americans with Disabilities Act says

I'm entitled to a chance.

Ron!

Hey, how'd it go?

Oh, you know:
''Who wants a teacher that barks like a dog?

You should try another line of work. ''

Are you serious?

Didn't they look at your resume?

You're kidding.

They're setting up interviews with some principals.

Fantastic! When?

Oh, I don't know. I've gotta wait for their calls.

Get changed we gotta go celebrate.

Haven't you got a date?

I'll see if she's got a friend.

It's about time you started meeting some chicks.

I can't focus on dating right now.

Has anybody ever tell you you're obsessive?

Only every shrink I ever saw.

Well, have fun focusing.

Oh your Dad called again.

Maybe you should call him back, you know?

All right. I'll see you later.

Returning Dad's call?

I'd have to prepare for that.

See, Mom and Dad had divorced when I was a little kid and my relationship

with Dad had always been

umm, let's just say complicated?

I mean, I wore out his patience like nails on a chalkboard.

It didn't help that my brother Jeff was also a little hyper.

Dad said he's waiting to get back to his home in Atlanta,

he's waiting to say goodbye

Goodbye!

You're gonna make him mad!

Come on I'll race you!

Against The Green Dragon? You gotta be kidding

Sucker!

Cheater!

Short cut!

You got a bike.

See you, Jeff.

Hey! That's not fair!

Aw, com'on!

Jeff!

You're not going to beat me!

See, I'm gonna win.

That's not fair! You got a bike!

Oh, no you're not! Oh, no! You are!

Hey guys! quiet down, you guys, quiet down.

We do have neighbors you know. Come here.

See, I did beat you.

Yeah. Calm down. Brad, com'ere.

Com'on honey, focus, would you?

Com'ere. Come here! Stand here.

Listen. Listen up. Focus, please. All right?

I need you guys to do me a favor.

I want you both to make life a little easier for your mom, okay?

You are driving her nuts.

Guys, listen! Hey, hey. Stop it! Brad!

Help her out around the house

but most of all let us stop the obnoxious behavior, OK?

Hey, listen. I mean it!

OK? Quit the clowning.

Your brother may think its funny, but I don't.

I can't help it.

Yes, you can.

There's nothing wrong with you that a little self-control wouldn't fix.

Now, stop it.

Norman? Yeah!

They're not going to hold that plane for you.

Okay, all right. Gimme a hug.

See you, Dad!

Bye-bye, J-man

I love you, Dad.

Love you too, kiddo.

Hey, listen up we'll stay at my house next time. OK?

OK! I'll get tickets to a Braves' game.

And Brad, remember what we talked about:

Selfcontrol. All right?

Need any help with anything, Mom? Well...

now that you mention it...

After the divorce, Jeff and I helped Mom with her new business.

Sort of a high class traveling boutique.

Well, maybe helped isn't exactly the right word.

Oh, Ellen, these things are exquisite!

You never find styles like this in St. Louis.

Well, it is direct from California. Beverly Hills.

This is what everyone is wearing.

Look at this. Boys? Boys!

Hide and seek?

Count.

One...

Now, Ellen, I don't want to see anything in double-digits.

Oh, honey, everything in California runs small.

Go ahead. Just try it on.

Brad, would you please calm down?

He's barking like a dog, for goodness sake!

Now look.

Don't take this the wrong way

you know I wouldn't say this to you if we weren't friends

but have you considered an exorcist?

You know, I think you might have to face.

the fact that you're a size 12.

I can cut the label, if it makes you feel better.

It's a new doctor let's just listen to what he has to say.

I know what he'll have to say.

Do you feel any anger toward your mother, because of the divorce, Brad?

No. No.

Do you resent your father because he doesn't live with you anymore?

No.

Do you blame yourself for the divorce, Brad?

It happened when I was a little kid, I don't even remember it.

Mrs. Chen, Brad has some serious denial issues regarding the divorce.

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