Neko's Story
June 21, 2003

The lights dimmed.  A flurry of activity on the stage indicated the play was about to start.  I waited anxiously, not even realizing I was holding my breath.  As the stage lights lit up the room, I immediately spotted him, his back to me.  Anticipation mounted.  He turned around, I was amazed.  He looks so different, not at all what I was expecting, even having seen pictures. 

The next two hours were spent watching him and trying desperately to focus on the play.  Being in the front row, I had the opportunity to clarify millions of tiny details I'd always wondered about.  His eyes are indeed smoky grey-blue.  I was so close I could see their perspiration, taste their sweat.  It was incredible.  But not as incredible as after the play.

We waited outside, speaking with both Anthony Ruivivar and Coby Bell before Jason made his way out.   I knew he was fairly short, well, compared to me at six feet.  But I was surprised that it wasn't noticeable.  He has this presence that beguiles his height.  If I weren't standing right next to him, I would have placed him several inches above me. 

I was surprisingly calm, all things considered.  He has this incredible easy going spirit that instantly puts you at ease.  I waited until he'd finished signing photos for eBay before approaching him.  When I handed him my playbill, he signed only his name.  Hey, I wasn't going to complain.  He was in the middle of signing Kate's autograph when he glanced over, realizing he hadn't personalized mine.  He told me he'd do just that, that he was sorry, he forgot sometimes.  I laughed, telling him it was alright, but gave it back to him all the same.  (I mean come on, you don't tell Jason Wiles, no)

It took him a while to figure out my name, I had to spell it rather slowly.  Maybe it's my Canadian accent, but it was funny, and he had a good sense of humor about it.  We asked if we could do pictures, to which he replied, of course.  He was attempting to put his arm around me when he commented on how tall I was. I offered to slouch down, but he laughed and told me not to worry about it.  He then used me as leverage to stand on his tip toes.  It was absolutely adorable.

We took two pictures, leaving Jason wrapped around me for several moments.  I swear, I almost felt guilty.  (sorry to my hubby)  He wasn't shy, getting in REALLY close.  I thought I was going to faint from the sheer intensity of it. 

Afterwards, I thanked him, and again he laughed, telling me not to worry about it.  He talked to a few other people, and then he asked if there was anyone else.  He waited for us to reply before shouldering his bag and walking down the street.