The MOMENT
By Helen Lin
Anxiously, I jump into the autograph line. After hearing him speak, I was mesmerized by his charming smile and dorky jokes, surprising myself by my fascination with him. I went there not knowing what to expect, yet when he came on stage, his presence was astounding. I had no idea of his sweet sense of humor and continuous modesty. It was weird seeing someone you watch on TV right there in front of you, although you always hear and know that these “stars” are human beings like yourself. But when you get that whiff of reality, it hits you like the tides on a stormy day and ah, it is an extraordinary feeling.
The line seemed to linger on forever. Standing there, I pondered what I’d say to him. Hmm…..how about, “Hi, I love your show!” or “You’re a great actor”, but all of them seemed too corny, too cliché, too ordinary. I wanted to stand out from all the rest, be original, creative, and be a fan he’ll (hopefully) remember later. I frantically searched my mind for answers, trashing out the ones that are too predictable. I remembering hearing that these stars don’t personalize the autographs, usually because of too many people and not enough time, so I decided I would use that to my advantage. Finally, after several drafts of thoughts, I came to a conclusion of what I’d say: “Hi, since I know you can’t write my name, will you at least say it for me?” Then I’d stick out my hand, introduce myself, he’d shake it and say my name, and we’d all live happily ever after. But of course, in reality, there’s no such thing as a happily ever after. It’s like that unwritten law that states nothing ever goes the way you want.
As I get closer to the table where he sat, my heart starts pumping, adrenaline’s rushing, and there are butterflies in my stomach. I felt as if I was about to go on stage singing the National Anthem at the Superbowl. I could now actually see him, wearing a hat, looking incredibly adorable. Gorgeous guys make me nervous as it is, nevertheless gorgeous famous guys. However, I felt prepared. I knew what to say and I was going to do it, since I knew if I didn’t, I’d regret it for the rest of my life. Slowly, my lifetime opportunity came closer. When I was about 5 feet away from him, I noticed something that made my breath catch in my chest. He was personalizing autographs! Of course, it is a good thing; but it threw my whole plan out of the window! I became panic and in search for other options. My mind spun like crazy. I was in frenzy as ideas rushed in, yet none of them made sense. What do I say?I kept asking myself. Maybe I’d say,“Will you write, to the most beautiful girl in the world?” Yeah, that’d be funny. Or maybe I should just ask him to marry me while I’m at it. If anyone could read my mind that moment, they’d be overwhelmed and lost for my thoughts were scattered like puzzle pieces, recklessly trying to connect them. I was impressed at the calmness of the lady before me; she chatted to him like he was an old friend, making it look so easy.
The moment arrived; it was my turn. Taking a deep breath, I inched closer to the front, having a picture in my hand to have him sign. But when he stared straight at me, I was awestruck. All those moments of rehearsing what I’d say mattered no longer, for I speechless. I remembered nothing. I wimply pushed the picture towards him while my jaw hung open. I stammered foolishly in asking him to autograph the picture in my name. As he repeated my name to get the correct spelling, I knew I could die then and be happy. Unlike all the other people that came before me who sparked conversations easily with him, I said nothing, not a single word breathed out of my mouth as the pen quickly moved across the picture.
Suddenly, thousands of thoughts rushed into my mind. Say something! Little voices in my head urged me. It’s a one in a lifetime chance! Anything! You’ll regret it for the rest of your life if you just sit there and drool. My mind was racing with a million things to say, but somehow my mouth couldn’t form the words to say them. What could I say? I needed something original. Time was running out as the voices in my head shouted at me. Say anything! Anything! Do it! Do it! Then, without another thought, I blurted suddenly,
“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re really hot?” I gasped. Did I say that out loud? What’s wrong with me? Why did I say that? Oh god, I’m so stupid! As I stood there hitting myself in the head, he laughed shyly as if he didn’t know what to say. He thanked me modestly and full of cuteness as I fixed my eyes on him one last time. Embarrassed and shocked, I eventually moved on, letting the next victim face the challenge.
As I sit here and reminisce back , I chuckled at my idiocy and the entire experience. But I’ve come to realize I’m content; I wouldn’t have it happen any other way. I’m sure you, as the reader, have heard tons of stories of fans encountering stars, so to you, this just another one of those stories. However, when the one-day comes and you meet the one you admire, it won’t be “another story” anymore.
** Helen met Greg at the Seattle Area Convention on February 4, 2001
If you'd like to contact her, do so at ZupLindo@aol.com
THANK YOU, Helen, for great report!