Five Feet Closer- Sequel to Five Feet Apart-

WILL

It took an eternity for Stella to show up. But when she did, I wanted to replay that moment over and over again.

Stella looked way different. She was healthy. No nose-cannula, no portable oxygen, no difficulty breathing. Just Stella. Her hair got a hell of a lot longer, but her height was the same. Still short.

But I wasn't about to sign my death warrant by telling her that. No way.

All too soon, we were five feet apart.

"Stella," I breathe, taking her in from a distance. "It took you long enough to show up."

Stella cleared her throat. "I could say the same, Mr. Newman."

Ah. I see. We were on a last name basis now. Interesting one. Just to piss her off like I did when we first met, I played along.

"Going formal, Aren't we Ms. Grant." I say before leaning against the wall casually, my arms folded.

Stella rolls her eyes. Ms. Goody-Two-Shoes was making a comeback, I see. Just like the day we met. Stella might have gotten new lungs, but they definitely didn't give her an attitude transplant. I should consult them about that. I laughed silently at my own jokes. Some things never change.

"So what's new, William?" Stella was obviously trying not to smile.

"There we go Stell, we are making progress on the name thing," I say before throwing my hands in the air dramatically. "I am B-Cepacia FREE!"

Stella stopped smiling. She clearly wasn't expecting that. "Your what?"

"You heard me, Stella."I state matter-of-factly.

"Oh my gosh, Will," Now a huge smile broke out on Stella's face and she was practically jumping up and down. "That's AMAZING!"

Stella started to make her way towards me, but stopped abruptly and backed up. "I'm so sorry, Will. I'm not sure that we can do that yet."

"Yeah," I cleared my throat. "This disease is a prison. But I think we could get away with ONE hug. For now."

"Right," Stella laughed. "But the moment is ruined, so, no."

"Always so picky, Stell." I gave her a big smile.

"Shut up, Will." Stella looked away, trying to hide another smile but failing once again.

"Timing is everything according to you. Am I right?" I asked.

"You're not wrong." Stella said smoothly, mocking my words from the day we met in the NICU.

"You think that's cute?" I mocked her back, but made my voice go ten times higher.

"Do you think it's cute?" Stella shot back.

After a minute of silence, we both started cracking up.

"You know what?" Stella asked.

"What?" I challenged.

"Forget what I said about not hugging." And with that she jumped into my arms, breaking our five feet apart rule. She brought us five feet closer.