Crash ~Justin Bieber~

Chapter 59 ~ Not A Shrinking Violet

(Rachel's POV)

William was a leader and Justin aspired to be like him.

Justin wanted others to follow him and he wanted to have complete and utter control over those who did. He compared himself to William everyday. I could understand their similarities in some respects, but i could see their differences too.

They had both found fame quickly. They had both gained power fast. And they both understood what made people follow a leader.

But they were different.

They were so different. They controlled people in different ways. There are two ways to make someone follow you; you can inspire them or you can scare them.

William chose to inspire.

Justin chose to scare.

Years ago there was a charity event that raised money for heart disease. It was a celebrity marathon run that took place in New York City. William was one of the celebrities running in the event and he was deemed to be an important one.

The organization voted that William would be leader of the event. He was an athlete and a fast runner. They expected that he would set the pace. They believed he would run ahead of the pack and encourage those behind him to catch up and finish the race faster.

But William crossed the finish line last.

He didn't run ahead of the pack he ran at the back. He ran with the weak and he cheered them along. He made them laugh and he made them keep going. William ran at their pace and he didn't enforce his.

Everyone finished the race under the allotted three-hour time period. Everyone raised money for charity and everyone had a good time.

"Hey Mouse!"

William swept me up in a hug after the race and then walked with me back to the podium.

"Did I do good?"

"Why did you run so slow?"

"I wanted us all to finish"

"But you were the leader. You were supposed to run ahead"

"No" he laughed, "Rachel, if you want to lead people you don't walk in front of them. You walk behind"

Back then I was very young and the words made little sense to me but now Will's words meant everything.

A real leader doesn't need to walk in front of people.

A real leader doesn't have to demonstrate his power or strength. They don't need you to fear them so that you conform. You conform because you're inspired. You want to be like them. You want to run with them. You trust their vision.

Justin didn't inspire me.

When I felt his hot breath meet mine on the red carpet I didn't feel love or devotion for him. I felt trapped and I felt angry. I felt weak and I felt helpless. He told the world that I was his through a kiss that I didn't want to give.

That wasn't inspiring.

Justin walked ahead of everyone and he only ever turned around to punish those who had stepped out of line. Now he was punishing me and I was paying a miserable price.

"Rachel, you can't be trusted to hang out on your own during this trip. I want you to shadow me. I want you to follow me around like you're a part of me. If I turn around and you're not behind me..."

"I will be..." I promised, "I want to make this right..."

I had to make this right. I had to protect Randy.