//------------------------------//
// Data Corrupted 
// Story: Appleture Laboratories 
// by The Infinity Doctor 
//------------------------------//

"Is my tie on straight?" I asked, smoothing my jacket as I stared into the bathroom mirror.
"Yeah, am I zipped up?" Melissa asked, turning.
"No" I said, taking the zipper and closing the back of her dress.

I know what you're thinking...and no, we're not- we're just friends. We have been ever since 3rd grade, it was in art class...I'd really rather not talk about it...

Anyway, we were on our way to a party for a friend of mine's, he's a museum curator, so he finally opened a museum along with a few other friends of his, and the grand opening is in a few days. He, of course, called us and asked us if we could make it, which would've been helpful if he'd told us sooner. We luckily didn't have anything going on, and agreed. 

"Mel, let's go, we don't want to be late getting to the airport" I called, grabbing my keys from their perch on the coffee table. 
Her shoes clacked against the wooden floor as she exited the house, me following as I double-checked the door after I closed it. 

"It's already getting a little late, do you think we'll catch our plane?" Mel asked, fastening her seatbelt.
"We'll make it, the plane doesn't leave until ten" I replied, starting the car.

I pulled out of the driveway, and pushed forward as I gradually picked up speed, heading towards the airport as fast as the traffic laws would allow. 

"So...how far have you gotten this time?" Mel asked idly. 
"Don't you already know? You beat the game like, twice" I replied, keeping my eyes on the road.
"I only beat it once" 
"Yeah, so don't spoil it for me" I said, lightheartedly.
"Just trying to make conversation" she returned.

Most of the car ride was spent in silence from then on...I don't know why...

X X X X X X X 

"Huh? What's that?" Mel asked, pointing forward.
Something was caught in the path of the headlights, making it flash brightly as we passed it. 

"What was that about?" I asked. 

Mel didn't respond, I briefly looked to her, and saw that she was suddenly out cold. 

"Mel? Melissa?!" 
I took one hand off the wheel and tried to wake her up. 

"Come on!" I said. 
There was another flash of blinding light, and both of my hands released the wheel. I could feel the car spinning as I lost control, we hit something hard...and I lost consciousness...I saw her face one last time before passing out.