Five Feet Closer- Sequel to Five Feet Apart-

WILL

Stella was full of energy on the walk to her mom's place. Me on the other hand, wanted to pass out  after 10 minutes of walking. I wish I brought my portable oxygen for once. My lungs we toast. Burnt, charred toast. I needed new ones pretty soon or else I would be hospital bound even more than I was now. If Barb noticed how badly I was doing, she wouldn't let me take one step outside. 

I would be on lock down. Solitary confinement. Hospital style. 

I was trying to hide the fact that I was in grueling pain from Stella, but I couldn't take it anymore. I collapsed on the sidewalk, gasping for breaths that wouldn't come quick enough. Dam you, CF.  

"Will!" Stella rushed down next to me, her hands running around my face, neck, and chin. I probably would have enjoyed this if I wasn't about to freaking die. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh."

It was like all at once, I could feel every single ounce of mucus coating my lungs. I should have done my Afflo-Vest. I was coughing hysterically, trying to breathe and spit out mucus at the same time. 

"Will, listen to me," Stella snapped and forced me to look at her. " We have portable oxygen at my house. Its too late to turn back, and my house is right there."

I cast my blurred vision to where Stella was pointing. I could make that. Its like what? 10 feet away?

Stella helped me up, and I leaned onto her for support. I staggered along, clutching my chest. 9 feet away. 5 feet away. 3 feet away. 

When we reached the house, Stella put my hand on the railing and helped me up the steps. Stella pounded on the door until her mom opened it.

"Stella," Her mother looked from me to Stella. " What is-"

"Mom!" Stella was crying. And I couldn't do anything about it right now. " Get me the portable oxygen!"

Stella's mom grabbed my other arm and rushed me inside to the couch; before running off upstairs. For the oxygen, I'm guessing. 

I plopped down on the couch, still coughing and gasping. I was feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Hundreds of stars flooded my vision. 

"Stella, It's on. Hook him up." I heard Mrs. Grant say.

I felt Stella slip the cannula's prongs inside my nose and slide the cord behind my ears. The cool air barrel into my lungs. I shut my eyes, able to breathe again. Definitely not perfect, but way better. 

I didn't do my Afflo-Vest. I didn't bring my oxygen. Why? Because I wanted to be a normal guy hanging out with his girlfriend. Or in my case, 'girlfriend'. Speaking of girlfriends and the dating relm,  It was time I changed the 'friend' status with Stella. I had already spoken to her father, so that part is knocked out of the way. Trust me, now isn't the best time to ask, but I'm in a 'fuck it' mood. And that's what I'm gonna do. Fuck it. 

"Stella?" I sat up and looked at her, my voice raspy. Her eyes were still wet, but she calmed down a whole lot. Stella scooted closer to me and adjusted my nose cannula.

"What, Will? Do you need water, a cloth, a-" 

I cut Stella short. "I love you, Stella. And I want to be with you. I want to have a life together. And I know this timing sucks, but will you go out with me? And, you know- be my girlfriend?"

Stella's jaw dropped, but then she rolled her eyes.

"Why on earth are you asking me that? You almost killed yourself, and your asking this now? Seriously, Will?!"

"Just answer," I pressed. "Will ya?"

Stella gave up arguing, and slid her hand to my cheek. " Yes, Will. I'd love that."

I leaned in, going for a kiss, when her father came out from the other room.

 "Dad?!" Stella and I jumped apart, and Stella scooted farther away from me. "What are you doing here?"

"Your mother and I were about to have coffee. I just got out of the shower." Mr. Grant stood behind the couch. 

"Dad," Stella looked at me. " You know Will, Right?"

Her father smiled at me. "Of course. How could I forget him?"

"Nice to see you again, Sir." I stood up, wincing, but I shook his hand. "I'm sorry to bother you guys."

" Hey, it's not an issue. We went through the same thing with Stella."

Stella took a minute to look at her phone. " Oh my gosh."

"What?" I asked, leaning over to see her phone.

"Will's getting new lungs." Stella stated.

"What?" Her father and I said at the same time. 

"They need you in now, Will. To get preped. Barb texted me." Stella stood up. 

I flung out my cell phone to see numerous texts and calls from the hospital and Barb. Shit. 

My heart stopped. 

And it started again. 

I was getting new lungs. A new life. 

"Let's go then," Mr. Grant shot up and grabbed his keys from his pocket. "Stella, you an Will go to the car. I'll be right there."

He threw the keys to Stella and she hooked our arms together. We made our way to the car and Stella unlocked it. She climbed in the back seat and drug me in with her. 

"Will-" 

Once again, I cut Stella short by placing my lips on hers. I felt her fingers run through my hair as we deepened the kiss. If I croak during this surgery, at least I made out with Stella once. I pulled away, tracing her lips with my thumb. My eyes were now open, but Stella's were still shut. 

I leaned down again, but brushed my lips along her jawline until I reached her ear.

"Stella," I whispered, before pulling away for good. Her parents were on their way out, so I had to make this quick. " Remember the master list I gave you?"

Stella opened her eyes and nodded. 

"Well," I brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "No matter what happens, the first thing on that list will never change." 

Stella knew where I was going with this and a tear slipped down her cheek. I wiped it away with my thumb, fighting back tears of my own. 

"Do you remember what it was?" I whispered. Stella was nodding furiously but said nothing. " 'Love Stella Grant forever'. And that's what I'm gonna do until my dying breath. And when I go upstairs, I will still love you. Always and forever. But I'm not giving up. On you, or on my own life. Not yet. So please, Stell, no matter what, don't give up on me."