CHAPTER 23: Dead in a Heartbeat

At the lab, we had completed the metal framework of the Proto Ghost Portal. We had ran our calculations time after time again. Maddie just needed to review them one last time, and we will be ready to rock and roll.

I, however, had some doubts after my extensive time researching this topic. Maddie agreed with me about this, but Jack was totally confident about this. (Maybe this will be the way I win Maddie's heart.) In fact, the moment after I said I didn't make the finals, he decided to help me with continuing my work. He became my most dedicated believer. Too bad his heart might have to be crushed today…

We set up the ectonium solution we found to be most compatible with the metal we were using. It was completely safe for human contact, so we decided to forego goggles. I was too in love to notice the clear violation of safety protocol. I hope this would work, but I knew since the element was out of its natural environment, anything could happen!

"I'm telling you, Jack," I predict, "this isn't going to work!"

"Bogus, V-Man!" he replied boldly. I began to re-examine the framework of the portal. This could possibly be our entrance into the ghastly dimension! Then again, the odds of that happening were very undoubtedly slim. I was kind of hoping Jack was right about this working out. The implications were limitless! Could we actually visit ghosts?

"Jack," I overheard Maddie tell Jack, "these calculations are incorrect."

"BONZAI!"

Let me pause for a second. What I was doing was stupid, very stupid to be exact. I wasn't wearing much in the way of protection, and there were a few things I didn't know about the substance we were using. Remember when I was visiting Dr. Ether to run tests on the sample I found outside of my house? Yeah, we didn't test much in the way of safety or radioactivity. You want to know why I am mentioning that fact now? Well, heh, let me tell ya!

A flash of green light was all it took to realize I had royally screwed up. And this was all in the name of love! I screamed out in agony, but there is no reply.

"Jack, you… saved my life!"

What was happening? Why was Maddie saying that? Please tell me that meathead that I called a best friend didn't just win her heart! Please no!

I had to draw attention to myself. One, I probably need to be hospitalized, and two, it was my only shot to preserve my chances with Maddie. I had to act quickly, but what to say?

"I look hideous!" I cry out in a desperate attempt to be noticed. My colleagues gasp in fear.

"This looks like a serious case of ecto-acne!" speculates Maddie. My friends picked me up and moved me somewhere.

What the hell just happened?

-END OF PART 1-