The Gap Between Us (Under Revision)

Chapter 44

After 2 Months

"Oh gosh baby, senior high has become more stressful." Reklamo ko as I leaned both of my elbows on the counter top, Charlie nudged my feet and I gently gave him a pat.

"Of course because you chose stem, but it's good rin na mahirapan ka to train yourself on how to face the challenges in school life, especially in college, diba nabanggit mo na sa Mariano Marcos ka mag c-college? I know you can do it." Sandro said while flipping the food he is cooking.

"What are you cooking?" I asked. 

Sandro flashed a cheeky smile as he expertly flipped the sizzling pan. "Cooking up some surprise for my hardworking girlfriend! Just a little something to fuel your brain for those intense study sessions."

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Surprise? Well you always have my attention ! What is it? Please tell me it's something delicious."

He chuckled, "Well, sikretong dish ko to! Ang tawag ko dito 'Sandro's Special Study Fuel.' It's packed with all the brain-boosting goodness you need."

"Okay, na intriga ako ha! But if I end up failing my exams because of this 'special' dish, ikaw talaga sisisihin ko!" I teased, leaning in closer to see what he was up to.

"Trust me! You won't just pass; you'll ace them! But if not, pero kung hindi man nagkatotoo, I'll take the blame—just as long as you promise to keep feeding me those adorable smiles of yours." He winked, stirring the pot with flair.

I couldn't help but laugh at his theatrics. "You're such a dork, alam mo? Naappreciate ko yon! I really do feel stressed with all the schoolwork piling up."

"Hey, I'm here to lift you up, remember?" he said, turning to face me with sincerity in his eyes. "Whenever you feel overwhelmed, isipin mo lang kung gaano na kalayo ang narating mo. You're strong, and you've got this."

Feeling a warmth spreading in my chest, I nodded, grateful for his support. "Salamat, Sandro. Alam mo talaga palagi kung gaano mapagaan ang loob ko, kahit nalulunod na ko sa dami ng projects."

"Speaking of drowning," he said, grinning mischievously, "I hope my surprise doesn't drown your taste buds! Ready to find out what it is?"

"Absolutely!" I replied, trying to contain my excitement. "Let's see this 'Sandro's Special Study Fuel' then!"

He dramatically pulled the lid off the pot, revealing a steaming bowl of pasta adorned with fresh vegetables and a sprinkle of cheese. "Ta-da! Pasta Primavera, cooked with love and extra brain-boosting veggies!"

I gasped in delight. "Wow, ang sarap naman nyan! You really outdid yourself this time!"

He beamed with pride. "Only the best for my girl! Kainin mo na habang mainit pa. Your brain needs fuel for all that studying!"

As I dug in, I couldn't help but tease him, "So, is this your secret plan to keep me focused on my studies and not on the fact that I haven't seen you in a week?" I said because he went to Manila for work, but I am used to be left alone in the house kasi naiintindihan ko naman na kailangan nya talagang pumunta sa Manila all the time dahil demanding ang trabaho nya, hindi lang naman Manila ang pinupuntahan nya at nagpupunta din sya sa Visayas for work.

He pretended to ponder. "Maybe... or maybe it's my way of distracting you just enough to sneak in more cuddle time later!"

Napairap ako. "You just want to win brownie points, don't you?"

"Always!" he declared, raising his fork in the air as if it were a trophy. "I'm aiming for 'Boyfriend of the Year' here!"

"Well, you're definitely in the running!" I laughed, feeling the tension of my school stress begin to melt away with every bite of the delicious pasta.