“Yeah, as a souvenir. If you wouldn’t mind.”
“Sure mate. You’re in seat C7.”
Nick nodded and made his way into the auditorium. He looked at the invitation, staring at Nicole’s name in print, remembering how excited she seemed in her letter to Mrs. Davies about tonight. The fact that he had managed to be here on a night that meant so much to her, meant even more to him.
Nick almost bumped into someone and looked up. The place was packed. At the back of the room, crews were setting up cameras, journalists were preparing their recorders and note pads, and regular attendees were being ushered into their seats. The evening, according to the invitation, would start promptly at six, which was in two minutes. Nick found his seat, only three rows back from the front. Not bad at all. Nick looked around and felt a sense of pride for Nicole that she was a big part in all this.
“Hello, you’re rather a pup to be at one of these aren’t you?”
Nick turned to see a large woman with a round face. She smiled at him, and looked at him with an air of amused curiosity. Nick quickly glanced around the room, which was filling with primarily older-looking people, professors mostly, Nick guessed. The average age of the room must have been close to fifty.
Nick laughed. “Yes, I suppose I am. Well it is my first.”
“Welcome. It’s about time we got some young blood in these lectures. I’m Jenny,” she said, holding out her hand.
“Nick,” he replied, shaking it.
“May I ask how you got an invite? These usually go out to teachers and journalists and what not.”
“I actually know the guest speaker.”
“Oh, wonderful. I’m curious about her myself. Is she your girlfriend?”
“No, just a friend.”
“Oh. Well, don’t worry, you seem very nice. Keep working and I’m sure you’ll get through.”
That’s weird. Does she talk to everyone that way, or are my intentions just really that transparent?
“You mentioned you were curious about her too?” Nick asked.
“Oh, right, yes. See, I’m an old student of Dr. Sarsky. Known him for years, and any guest speakers he uses are usually earmarked for big things. When word got around that Miss O’Brien was only nineteen, people came up with all kinds of stories. Like he was losing his marbles or fooling around with her. Oh, don’t you worry, dear,” she said, patting Nick on the leg, lowering her voice to a barely audible whisper. “Alan Sarsky is a screaming queen. Looks better in a dress than I do,” she chuffed.
“Oh…” Nick looked around, not quite comfortable with the turn this conversation was having. He couldn’t tell if this lady was being offensive or trying to seem accepting.
“He is also brilliant when it comes to the working of the mind and thought process,” she continued. Nick relaxed a little. “He is convinced humans can learn more about the world, the sea and the sky when they better understand the limitless potential of the brain. This lecture will likely be used in schools and universities around the world, dissected and critiqued, argued over and praised. That’s why there’s all the cameras, you see. It is a huge opportunity for your young Miss O’Brien. I hope she does well.”
The audience began to clap and Jenny quietened and turned to the stage. A man in roughly his forties stepped up to the podium and positioned the microphone towards his mouth.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Richard Curtis, a director here at the University Of New South Wales, and it is my pleasure to welcome you all here this evening. Our main speaker tonight, Dr. Sarsky—” He paused as the audience applauded the doctor. “—will appear following his young protégée Nicole O’Brien. This young woman has caused quite a stir in recent weeks after being named one of the youngest guest speaker’s Dr. Sarsky had ever chosen. Intensifying the intrigue of this young woman is that she is not yet a graduate—she is still studying the course she will be speaking on this evening. What was going on, people began to ask me. What had Dr. Sarsky seen in this student? What made Miss O’Brien so special? In preparation for this very speech, I asked Dr. Sarsky all of these questions. His reply was simply, ‘Let her talk, and they will see for themselves’. Which is indeed what I shall do. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Nicole O’Brien.”
A warm if not enthusiastic round of clapping welcomed Nicole as she calmly and confidently, Nick thought, approached the podium. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, and he did not want to. She wore a short white dress and matching heels, and her hair was clipped and swept up. Nick couldn’t smell strawberry lip-gloss tonight, but he could smell…something fresh and clean. He couldn’t quite place… Soap. Yardley’s English Lavender. His mother had often placed bars of the soap among her clothes to infuse them with the scent. His head spun. Nicole was beautiful. She felt so perfect to him right here, right now. He realised she was speaking, and shook his head to clear it. Focus! Listen.
“Thank you, Mr. Curtis, for that very kind introduction, and may I also take a minute to again welcome everyone. This marks Dr. Sarsky’s first lecture in New South Wales for almost fifteen years. During that time, he has given talks and taught in Italy, Brazil, Korea, and most recently the United States where he shared ideas with the top neuroscience and behaviour research institutes at Harvard, Stanford and John Hopkins University. In all that time, as has been previously mentioned, rarely has anyone still studying shared the stage with him. So why did he pick me? Any of his students will tell you, one of his first lessons is to be honest. With yourself, your surroundings, and any endeavour you choose. Speak up if you don’t understand, admit when you are wrong and stand your ground when you believe your actions are just. So let me be honest with you; I have no idea why he offered me this opportunity. When I asked him, he told me it didn’t matter why, only what my answer would be. Though I couldn’t get the yes out fast enough, I, like this audience tonight, felt the curiosity grow. I knew that if I couldn’t give a reason why a nineteen-year-old was standing here talking to you tonight, all credibility, mine and his, might be tarnished. Truthfully, all I can offer is the occasion where I may have surprised him for the first time in many years. He was our guest lecturer via satellite for my class some months ago. Our online assignment was on leadership and its values and how these relate to psychology and human behaviour. We were to give opinions and, where possible, supportive facts about how two people can do the same job, say the same thing, yet get different results. He asked us to offer insight on what it takes medically and psychologically to be a ‘true leader’, to use what our experiences have taught us to inspire and teach. And most importantly, to analyse what it is about the human mind and its power when it comes to helping enhance and stimulate others.”
Nicole paused and sipped a glass of water from the podium. Nick used the opportunity to take a quick glance around the room. Everyone, Jenny included had their eyes seemingly glued to the stage. Nicole held the room so far. She certainly held him and he eagerly waited to hear her continue. He had grown up around forceful men. Killers even. Wilson had been a leader. An Alpha is the definition of a leader. But a true leader? As much as Nick fought with him, he loved Wilson, but he did not believe Wilson was a true leader. He was now definitely curious as to what aspects of the brain constituted true leadership.
“The reason I say to you that I surprised him is because I received a High Distinction on the theory I presented in the assignment, something he told me he had not given to students for many years. Therefore, what I would like to do is tell you about that theory tonight, as a way of possibly giving you insight into why I was chosen to be here.”
Nicole reached down and pulled out her notes from a shelf in the podium. As she did so, her eyes flicked up momentarily, and caught his. He gave a small smile and wave. Just for a second, her eyes widened and her mouth gaped, but then all was normal.
Nicole cleared her throat, looking like she was fighting the urge to laugh. “…Excuse me. The theme of the assignment is entitled, What
Makes A True Leader? Don’t worry, I’ll only give the highlights. I won’t bore you with the statistical details.”
A few chuckles followed this.
“True leaders and what makes them are a discussion that has been taking place since the dawn of civilisation. Ancient China, Greece, Egypt, all of these societies had theories about what made a true leader. They knew that a man could not simply name himself a true leader and believe that others would automatically follow. But how do we today begin to understand their brains? What is it truly about the human mind that defines whether or not someone is or can become a leader? The study of the theory of leadership in psychology has often been in a class of its own, independent of other psychological studies. This may be because it is an issue that affects us all. There are a number of theories that have attempted to explain our presuppositions about leadership and its effectiveness, or to categorise aspects of leadership itself, such as ‘influential’, ‘visionary’, and so on, and in what contextual settings a leader’s actions take place, such as military, politics, or business.
“After dissecting leadership traits, styles, situations, behaviors, and more, it was perhaps only a matter of time before leadership psychologists focused on the ‘self’ in their theorizing of leadership. One theory shows how leadership is a process in which leaders can change the way followers feel about themselves in order to elicit their best performances. Another theory shows how leaders must know their true selves in order to be able to judge themselves and their own actions consistently before they can begin to judge others. And finally, there’s the elusive charisma and its effect on followers. Even still, we have trouble defining it. While the other qualities can be learned, can be developed, it is charisma that just might be the one thing that a true leader, must be born with.
That charisma is what separates true leaders, or the Alpha’s, from the rest of the pack. Historically, the word charisma was associated with supernatural elements, seen as a gift or talent from heaven that gives an individual the ability and the authority to rule others. While that may seem strange or even ludicrous to some, there is still little to no explanation how some people possess that magnetism, that charm, to influence others.
“So what does this all mean for the study of leadership? Remember that true leaders know themselves and make decisions in difficult situations based on that knowledge. When a ‘leader’ is acting only to please others in order to further their own status, they are no true leader,” Nicole looked up and scanned the room. “Let me just pause here and ask you all, do you know any true leaders? Don’t worry if the answer is no. The only one I know is your main speaker tonight and it brings me to my next point.
“True leaders are like eagles. They are unique and rare, and must possess or develop all of the characteristics I’ve spoken of. And until recently, it was nearly impossible to pinpoint exactly which individual could turn out to be a true leader. But now, with devices such as MRIs and CT scanners becoming more and more common, determining the source of charisma is within grasp. We also know more about the brain than ever before, and have come to understand better its internal workings. I believe that we can learn exactly which chemical is the neurotransmitter responsible for true leadership skills, and which provides us with genuine charisma.”
The audience began to whisper behind Nick. It seemed that this theory was indeed something that made them all abuzz with interest.
“Everyone has a leadership capacity in something,” Nicole went on. “If you want people to perceive you as charismatic, to embrace you as a true leader, you must also display attributes such as empathy, good listening skills, eye contact, enthusiasm, self-confidence and skillful speaking. These are the attributes social scientists have long spoken of in their attempt to fully understand charismatic communication and leadership. But until now we had not embarked upon an attempt to single out the exact neurotransmitter, the exact brain chemical that is responsible for this elusive charisma needed for true leadership.
“If we can do this, we can begin to predict charisma, and determine in advance whether one has the capability to become a true leader. And furthermore, we may be able to utilise this chemical and enhance its presence in order to create more true leaders. Perhaps we can help shape true leaders of today and tomorrow, because we need them, now more than ever. Thank you.”
Nick thought a bomb had gone off in the auditorium, such was the roar of applause Nicole got as she stepped down. Nick stood and clapped along with many others.
“What a breakthrough,” Jenny said, amazed. “Wouldn’t that be something?”
Nick didn’t feel he had to agree, he felt the look on his face would’ve said it all. Even he knew the look of awe he was giving her. She gave small head nods to the applause she received and focussed on Nick, finding him again in the crowd. They locked eyes and neither looked away. Nicole shook her head slowly as a man walked onto the stage behind her. The applause increased and Nick guessed this must be Dr. Sarsky. Nicole jabbed at Nick quickly with her finger, mouthing, “Stay,” as Dr. Sarsky kissed her on the cheek and joined in the applause as she walked off the stage.
The applause died down and Dr. Sarsky approached the podium, smiling triumphantly.
“Speaking of charisma…!”
*
The night was over. Nick had bid Jenny farewell and remained in his seat as the audience moved slowly for the door.
Nick sat for over an hour after the room had cleared, going over the things he had heard. Dr. Sarsky had spoken at length about factual paranormal activity concerning brainpower. Dr. Sarsky’s theory, was people that had learned how to unlock rare parts of the brain in order to accomplish these things, were true leaders. It was fascinating and while he agreed with Dr. Sarsky that these were the people that should grace the covers of magazines and rather than which B-grade celebrity had slept with who, no matter how many facts and figures put in front of him, Nick just couldn’t buy the things he was told. He did not think anyone could actually move objects across a room, read minds or sense injuries from thousands of kilometres away, or levitate, all because they had harnessed the power of their mind. The mind could not be plugged in to a wall socket, and he didn’t believe it could pick up paranormal wi-fi.
Strange you can’t believe that, but you of course believe the unusual fact that you were born from two werewolves.
“Shut up,” Nick breathed.
“Who are you talking to?” Nicole asked. Nick looked up to find her walking towards him. She bent her knees and sat on the lip of the stage, legs crossed and dangling over the edge. She wore a light coat over her dress, her hair was no longer up, so it hung, wavy and full, around her shoulders. Just the way he liked it.
“Oh…no one,” Nick said, leaning back in his chair. “I have to say congratulations. You were amazing.”
“Thank you. But I have to ask, what are you doing here?” she replied softly, leaning her head to the side. “That invitation was supposed to be for Mrs. Davies.”
“You told me to look you up,” Nick crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows. “Are you sorry it’s me instead of her?”
“I didn’t say that,” she replied carefully, again looking as though she was trying not to laugh. “I just want to know how you got it.”
Nick got up and walked closer, stopping a few feet in front of her. He placed his hands on either side of her legs. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Nick… It does matter. It matters to me.” Nicole barked. “I gave that to Mrs. Davies for good reason and I know for a fact she wouldn’t have handed it to you. Did you steal it?”
“Before I answer, can I ask you something? When you saw me, were you happy?”
Nicole didn’t answer right away. She stared at him, giving off the impression she was thinking of what to say. Finally, after giving a quick glance to the ground, blinking away with those damn lashes, she said, “Yes.”
“Then what does it matter how I got it?” he shrugged.
She grabbed hi
s wrists and looked him dead in the eyes. “Do you realise how much trouble you’re in for this?”
Nick laughed. “You’re worth it.”
Nicole was no longer amused. “Nick, stop. Be serious. You stole from a teacher.”
Tell her some of what she means to you. That any threat to you means nothing compared to being able to make her happy.
Nick raised his hand and then quickly lowered it. For an instant, the desire to touch the supple skin of her face was irresistible. To clasp her warmth in his hands and touch his forehead to hers, having her hold onto him in return.
“Hey… I would do a lot more than that if it meant being here to support you on the biggest night of your life so far.”
Nicole opened her mouth to reply, but whatever it was about to say, it appeared that she changed her mind. Instead she said, “I can’t help you when you get back on Monday,” pleading with her eyes for him to understand.
“I don’t want your help,” he said.
“What do you want then?” she whispered.
Nick looked into her eyes, then moved his face, seeking her lips. She waited until the last possible second but pulled away.
“Nick…it’s not that I don’t want to…” She sounded exasperated.
Nick cursed his lack of patience and the fact he just couldn’t help trying, given what she did to him in so many ways. He stepped back from her. This was not going how he planned at all. But had he really planned anything? This wasn’t him. What was he thinking? He was trying to do something nice for her. Spontaneous. Wasn’t he? No. He had taken something Nicole had purposefully given away and took it upon himself to show up uninvited, maybe even unwanted. Was it any surprise she wasn’t exactly jumping for joy?
“Nicole…I’m really sorry. I don’t know what…” Nick struggled for the words, shaking his head. All of a sudden, the realisation of what he had done washed over him, as if the last few hours had been out of his control. “I just thought…you might appreciate a bit of support from someone else that is really proud of you, that’s all.”
Day Dreamer (Undeadly Secrets Book 2) Page 13