My heart is sturdy but it needs you

Last time we waited over three hours and it didn't happen. This time it did, and it made me a believer. Dreams do come true.

It all started in San Jose at the Rock Band Live tour. We waited in line, bought some merchandise, and then found a seat. The opening acts were good. First up was The Cab from Las Vegas. They had an interesting sound, but it bothered me that the lead singer did nothing but sing. I thought you had to play an instrument to be in a band. Then out came the Plain White T's. I really enjoyed them. I love their sound and quirky look. Band geek comes to mind. I love it! And then.......

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL!

It was so cool! I loved the back screen that they played music videos and different things behind the band as they played. I love the video for Thick as Thieves, so it was neat to see the video in the background as they played the song. The last time I had heard Dashboard Confessional it was acoustic, so I was comparing between the two experiences in my mind the whole time. They didn't let me down. Some of the songs were played with a faster tempo, but they still were heart songs. Needless to say, Natalie and I both thought their set was not nearly long enough. I was sad when they walked off the stage. I was sure there would be an encore, but I was wrong. After they finished, we faced a dilemma....

Do we stay for Panic at the Disco, or do we try and find Chris Carrabba?

We took the chance, and left the concert. We came out the doors right next to the exit from the stage. We waited under a street light near where the stage crew was taking their break. We nearly gave up, and then I heard some girls talking about how they had met Chris. I grabbed Natalie and we took off in the direction they came from. I thought that we had missed it. No line, no crowd, no Chris, right? Wrong. I turn my head, and there, out of the corner of my eye, I see him.

It was all a daze, a whirlwind of excitement, but here is what I remember:

• "I like your shirt. We should have played that song tonight." -- the first thing Chris said to be right before I got a big hug.


• His drummer, Mike Marsh, was out there as well so I introduced myself and shook his hand.


• Natalie and I got a picture with both of them, but the bodyguard covered the flash with his finger the first time. Natalie had to go help him with the camera, and Chris kept his arm around me.

• My heart was beating so fast and loud that I'm sure they could hear it.

• We got to talk to both of them for a while, and they are pretty chill. Even with the relaxed atmosphere, I forgot everything that I had wanted to mention and to talk about. I think I might have been a little star-struck.

Afterward, I marveled in our wonderful luck. I also secretly laughed at all the other fans leaving the concert who missed out on meeting Chris and Mark because they stayed to watch Panic at the Disco. I wanted to point and mock them. I know, immature, but what can I say? That was how I felt. I was a girl who was on top of the world. While I was there I basked in my good fortune while laughing at other "fan's" blunder.

I wanted to leave you with the video of Dashboard Confessional performing the song Widow's Peak. Unfortunately, the Internet hates me. Better luck next time.