Five Feet Closer- Sequel to Five Feet Apart-

STELLA

Julie led my parents and I into the waiting room. Julie handed me a blanket, and I gave her a hug.

"How's Lathan?" Julie recently had a baby boy.

"He's active and noisy!" Julie laughed. "I'll have to introduce you both."

"Can't wait!" I smiled.

"Oh," Julie smirked. "Maybe you and Will could baby sit him someday."

My eyes widened. " That would be awesome!"

" Great! I'll see you soon, Stella!" Julie turned to leave.

"Bye!"

I took Will's sweatshirt and slipped it on. I laid down on the couch. I pulled the hood over my head and closed my eyes.

Will really needed these lungs.

More than he would ever know.

* * *

I woke up at about 4pm. Will was about four hours into the surgery; it takes about seven if all goes well. I heaved myself up and took myself to the C-Wing. I walked to Will's door and went inside. Even though I had cleaned a little yesterday, it was still messy. Well it wasn't messy, It just didn't meet my standards. I sorted his clothes and put them away. I straightened up his drawing supplies; and whatever else I could.

After two hours of this, I was finally plopped onto his bed. I covered myself with the sheets, before closing my eyes once again.

* * *

"Stella?"

I woke up to Barb shaking me.

"What?!" I groaned, rolling over.

"Will's out of surgery." Barb stated.

Hearing this, I shot up. "Is he OK?"

Barb chuckled. "He's going to be just fine."

"When will he wake up?" I asked, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Within the next hour or so," Barb replied. " Get down there and see him, girl!"

I smiled and scurried down to the recovery room.

Will was hooked up to a ventilator, keeping oxygen flowing to his lungs. He looked peaceful, despite the tubes and whatnot. I could see his chest rising and falling at a constant rate.

I sat down on the side of the bed. I grabbed his hand; making it cup my cheek.

After a while (with no sign of Will waking up), I decided to head back to the lobby. I stood up and kissed his forehead. When I pulled away, I felt a hand slowly snake around my waist. I looked down to see the most captivating, ocean blue eyes I had ever seen.

I was falling for him. Over and over again.

I at down again, battling tears. Happy and relieved tears. But I lost it. Will made a heart shape with his hands, then pointed to me. To his dismay, I started crying even more.

Will threw up his arms and gave me a 'come on, really?' look. Then he motioned for a pencil and paper. To my luck, a notepad and pencil were located on the table beside me. I handed it to Will. He began to write.

Really, Stella? I thought that would make you laugh. Not cry more!

I laughed. "Happy tears, Will."

Will made a grunting noise and wrote again.

Nice sweatshirt.

I smirked. " Thanks. My boyfriend gave it to me."

Will cocked his head slightly and had a knowing look engraved in his eyes. He picked up the pencil again.

You must have a truly amazing boyfriend. Is he cute?

"Yep," I laughed. "He has nice hair."

Is that it?

"Well, He has nice eyes. I think."

Will shot me a 'how dare you' look before writing.

Wow. I love you too, Stella.

"I'm kidding," I leaned forward and kissed his nose. "You are amazing, Will. And you have a future ahead of you. Traveling. Living."

You'll be a part of that?

I smiled. "Of course, Will. Now get some sleep."

Will carried a defiant look in his eyes.

# not tired.

"Will, I've been through the exact same procedure. Trust me, your tired."

Cant you stay with me? He wrote.

"Will, you just got out of surgery." I gave him a warning tone.

His eyes were pleading. Begging me to stay.

I caved. "Fine! But let me know if I hurt you."

I laid down next to him, careful not to touch his chest. Will held my hand and I tangled our feet together. Will fell asleep within five minutes. After about 20 minutes, I slowly got myself up. I entered the lobby, and was greeted by Jason and Hope.

"Hey!" I greeted as they approached me.

"Hey, Stella!" Hope gave me a hug.

"Wasup, Stell?" Jason gave me a squeeze too.

"I just saw Will. I'm letting him sleep." I sighed.

"Is he able to talk?" Hope questioned.

"Nope, but he will. Right now he's hooked on a ventilator. It keeps your breathing regulated. If all goes well, he should be able to talk by Saturday." I mentally counted the days. It was currently Thursday.

"Got it," Hope responded. "Were about to go visit him. We might leave a letter or something."

"Go right ahead! I'll see you guys later!"

"Bye, Stella!" They both called as they walked away.