Batman in Coach

So I was munching on my quarter pounder and fries, anticipating another delayed flight out of JFK, when I chanced upon a couple approaching the AA counter. The guy looked strangely familiar... I thought, "No, it can't be him, he's too short and kinda skinny. Has production wrapped up and he's lost all his bulk already?" But the lady he was with had a quality about her. Like the types that could be seen in US magazine's "Stars, They're Just Like Us." I pretend I'm not staring by looking at his reflection on the glass windows instead. Oh, but I really think it's him! So I call my very reliable friend J, and give him an assignment:

"Does he have a wife?" I asked

"Yes...," he replied. "Well, what does she look like?"

"Jessica Biel," was his very efficient reply. Then I start shivering like the Noreaster winds were blowing at the back of my neck. "OH MY GOD! Then it is Christian Bale!"

And I just watched Batman Begins for the nth time last week. I couldn't believe he was standing just about four feet from me and I could not rack my brains for the best way to approach him. And so, I opted to act like any self-respecting New Yorker who doesn't want to admit that she was starstruck would, like I didn't recognize Christian Freakin' Bale. He was just like any other stranded passenger at JFK... except that he has played in the best Batman movie ever! I realized I definitely have stalking tendencies. The entire time we were waiting, I was tracking where he was and what better way to find a superstar but at the arcade games. His game of choice? Why, PacMan, of course!

We start boarding and I thought, "Well that's the last time I'm seeing the guy." And much to my pleasant surprise, he boards with everybody else in coach! Coach, for goodness' sake! I guess he was a chance passenger... or he's just really, really stingy. Well, if his worn out sneakers say anything. I just love the guy more now. He didn't seem to have any airs about him. None at all. In fact, he reminded me more of his Jim from Empire of the Sun instead of Bruce Wayne.

I'm still haunted by the fact that I had two cameras with me and did not have the guts to approach my favorite Batman. I just want to punch myself. I guess there are more chances for star sightings on an LA flight from NY. I think I'll be taking that flight again when I fly off to California. Christian Bale made the four hour delay worth it.