The Story of the Paparazzi that Wasn't: Featuring Scarlett Johansson

Here I stand, like the leg of a resting caterpillar soon to start to only stop again. This monotony will continue. Not much to view by way of environment. Just me, the inside of the airport, and loads of people. Hmmm…people. Maybe people watching will provide some entertainment. Scanning the local vicinity: nice carry-on bag, cute toddler, wups...someone wasn't supposed to be in the priority line for security, cute outfit. Actually wait, really cute outfit. Significantly cuter then everyone else I've seen. They must be from New York or something. I'm no fashion guru, but here's how I would describe the outfit. Dark-wash jean jumper. The material seemed nice and light, 90s black chunky heel sandals, a beige hat with black tie, and glasses. Real or fake? No clue. Can't forget the baby in the baby carrier close to the Momma. That is an adorable baby boy, and he's pretty content. I'm impressed. Wait a second, this lady looks familiar somehow…I have no idea how I know her though. Someone I went to high school with? No, can't be. Oh well, this happens to me all the time anyway.

Finally we creep to get our licenses checked as well as our tickets. The lady in front of me with her baby goes first. She replies with a soft and kind 'Thank you'. 

Ummm, I know that voice. I know that voice! It's Scarlett Johansson. The Scarlett Johnansson. Right in front of me? Everything makes sense now! A sudden rush of nervousness comes over me. Keep calm, don't be one of those crazy fans. 

Conceal don't feel or else that security dude with her will drop you in half a second.

I get through the line and get to the stack of buckets. For some reason I thought ALL large electronic items need to be taken out of the carry on bag. So I take out my fancy Canon camera and set it in the bucket. I feel like I'm being watched, but security watches everyone anyway, so I shrug it off.

Everything goes smoothly through the line to be reunited with my belongings. But, the whole time I'm thinking: Should I try and get a picture with her? No, then everyone will know and she'll get swarmed. Should I talk to her? Maybe…if I've got the guts or opportunity…or if she talks to me first. Haha, yeah right.

All the sudden it hits me. Scarlett Johansson is standing beside me and can see my fancy camera…she probably thinks I'm some paparazzi. Oh no! I place it comfortably and safely back in my bag. I turn and realize there is a half circle of people in my way for me to go sit on a bench to put my tennis shoes back on. Scarlett Johansson is in the middle of that half circle.

I'm so nervous. Bag? Check. Shoes? Check? Now walk. I walk right in between the security guard and Scarlett Johansson with my head down and a weak "Excuse me" as my only phrase uttered in her presence.

As I sat to put my shoes on, I realized I could be a paparazzi right now.

But I won't.

It just doesn't feel right.

I do regret not talking to her though. 

So Scarlett Johansson, I doubt you will ever read this, but on the off chance you do, this is what I wish I would have said to you…

Thank you. Not only are you a fantastic actress, but you have played strong female characters that rival with male action heroes. The fact that you have played as female action heroes gives me hope and belief that I can one day be the next version of Lara Croft or Batgirl or a new and different kind of action hero. Also, I just want to say that your baby boy is beautiful and the affection you show him is also incredibly beautiful. I was also wondering if you had any advice or words of wisdom for me concerning acting and such because I am an actress. 

I guess after all that, we would have to see where the conversation went from there, if anywhere.