March 6, 2010 will forever be etched into my memory because this was the day that my dreams came true.
I walked up to the Saban Theater on Wilshire Blvd at 9:30 a.m. ready to see the cast of The Vampire Diaries later that day at Paleyfest even though the show did not start until 7:00 p.m. I did not care that it began raining buckets; I was on a mission.....to see and get a picture with Paul Wesley. I had bought my ticket back in January and was utterly excited that in 9 hours I would be looking into the eyes of the most gorgeous man alive. I was fourth in line behind some veteran Paleyfest attendees. One lady heard me talking about Paul and how I wanted to get a picture with him and what she said to me made my heart sink. She told me that at this theater the stage was higher and that pictures were impossible. I wanted to cry right then and there in the rain. So, I was trying to resign myself to the fact that an autograph was going to be the only "gift" I would leave Paley with.
At least while I braved the rain and cold outside, I met some amazing Vampire Diaries fanatics. One of the fans I met (
@Naira_Robsten) got there right after me. We "met" on Twitter and decided that since we would both be there, it would be nice to actually meet face to face. She is amazing and sweet! Another Vampire Diaries fan also showed up (
@BonesFan021) and we all got to know each other and shared our love of TVD. We all huddled together when the cold rain and wind lapped at our faces and bodies making us all feel like frozen popsicles. Luckily, the day flew by since we all had such great company! I truly love Twitter for bringing me together with members of my Vampire Diaries family.
At 5:40, we were allowed inside and you could feel the Vampire buzz really begin to build. I raced down to grab my seat...3rd row aisle seat so that I had a better shot at getting an autograph. I was now watching the clock for the final countdown. It was finally 6:45.....15 minutes to the start of the show....and I began to shake with anticipation. I could not hold my hands still long enough to hold my phone in my hand to send tweets. 10 minutes....5 minutes....my body started shaking and my friend put her hand on mine and said for me to take a deep breath. The show started with a Paley intro and a viewing of the entire episode of "A Few Good Men". Can I just say WOW!! It was amazing and the previews for the rest of the season are mind blowing. The lights came on and I knew I was about to be graced with the magnificence of Paul Wesley. I nearly fainted when he walked onto the stage. I could not believe that he was more gorgeous in person than on the show.....I did not think it was possible to be THAT attractive. In a word, he is exquisite. They all sat down and the moderator began asking them questions. I, of course, put my camera up and started snapping pics of Paul and the cast.....well, mostly Paul ;-) All of a sudden, I saw in my camera that he was waving. I took my camera away from my face and he was waving at ME!!! He winked, pointed to my Team Stefan shirt and gave me a thumbs up. I was stunned. He had noticed me. Then, the questions from the mod ended and the floor was about to open for the fans to ask questions. I immediately threw my hand up in the air, possibly throwing my elbow out of whack with the force, and prayed that I would get called on. Prayer was answered. The mod picked me for the first question and I was given the microphone. With nervous hands, wobbly knees, and a lump in my throat, I stood up looking Mr. Wesley straight in the eyes. I had to get past my fear of public speaking and let Paul know that he is awesome! I first told the entire panel that they made Thursday night television good again...seriously, not since Seinfeld have I truly enjoyed television. Then, I turned to the audience and to the panel to let them know that if they wanted to follow me on Twitter, I am
@paulwesleylover. Without hesitation, Paul responded with "really?" I told him yes and he said that he may just have to get a Twitter account just so he could follow me!! I also told him that since Stefan's favorite show is Seinfeld that we belong with one another and he agreed. Paul, if you are reading this, give me a call...we need to set up our first date ;-) Anyway, I then asked him if he ever got nervous while filming a scene....specifically the wonderful sex scene in "The Turning Point". He said he was more nervous now. LOL! I let him know that if he felt like he did not get sufficient time to answer my question, that he was free to get my number after the show. Finally, I let him know that he has been blessed with the BEST. ABS. EVER. It was then that I was about to get the gift of a lifetime. He asked the mod if he could take off his mic to hug me. He jumped off the stage, grabbed me and gave me the biggest bear hug I have ever received. Then to top it off....to add the cherry and whip cream on top.......he KISSED me on the cheek and hand. But wait, it gets BETTER. He kissed me AGAIN!!! I am positive that I felt my heart skip about 1000 beats, jump out of my chest, and slam back beating a million miles an hour. I was beside myself with joy and shock. He made me happier than I have ever been in my entire life and I thank him so much for that. The one thing I do know about that night is that I got a little piece of Heaven and his name is Paul Wesley.


Find Melinda on twitter
here!Thank you so much Melinda for sharing this with us.