WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 15

After their shared breakfast, Sam headed off to work, tucking a small container of Erica's adobo into his bag. Erica watched him from the porch, feeling a mix of pride and nervousness swirling in her chest. I made something he liked. That's progress. But now what? The stillness of the countryside wrapped around her like a heavy blanket, the quiet unnerving yet oddly soothing.

Stepping back into the house, she stared at the broom leaning against the wall. "Well, I guess I'll start somewhere," she muttered, grabbing it and heading outside.

As she swept the porch, the rhythmic swish of the broom and the occasional chirping of birds became a comforting soundtrack. She was so engrossed in her task that she almost didn't notice the cheerful voice calling out to her.

"Hey! Are you new here?"

Startled, Erica looked up to see a young woman with long black hair and a bright smile bounding toward her. The stranger's energy was infectious, and Erica found herself smiling back despite her initial surprise.

"Um, yeah. I just moved in," Erica replied, resting the broom against the wall as the girl approached.

"I'm Angelica!" she introduced herself, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "What's your name?"

"Erica," she said, still processing the whirlwind of energy standing before her.

Angelica's eyes lit up with curiosity. "So, do you live here alone? Or with family?"

Erica hesitated, unsure how to explain her situation. "I'm staying with Sam and Aunt Nena for now."

Angelica's jaw dropped in dramatic fashion. "Wait, you live with Kuya Sam? The handsome guy who everyone says is super serious?"

Erica blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Uh... yes? I mean, he's serious, but I wouldn't say he's..."

"OH MY GOSH!" Angelica interrupted, her voice rising with excitement. "Is he your boyfriend? Or... your husband?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer, waiting for Erica's response.

"What? No! Definitely not!" Erica said quickly, her cheeks heating up. "We're just... housemates. That's all."

Angelica burst into laughter, her teasing grin widening. "Relax, I'm just messing with you! But honestly, you'd make a cute couple. I can already see it!"

Erica tried to play it off, rolling her eyes even as her stomach flipped at the thought. "You're impossible," she said with a chuckle.

"And you're fun!" Angelica declared, throwing an arm around Erica's shoulders like they'd been friends forever.

*****

It didn't take long for Angelica to dive into asking Erica about her life. "So, what's it like in the city? I've only been there once for a school trip, and it was so noisy and crowded!"

Erica laughed, trying to keep up with Angelica's rapid-fire questions. "It's... busy. Very different from here. But I'm starting to appreciate the peace of the countryside."

"And can you cook? Or do chores? Be honest!" Angelica teased, her grin challenging.

Erica groaned. "I'm learning, okay? I can cook adobo now, so that's a start."

Angelica clapped her hands together. "Good! Then let me help you with the rest. Come on!"

Before Erica could protest, Angelica dragged her back inside, and the two launched into a whirlwind of chores. Angelica showed her how to properly scrub floors, fold clothes efficiently, and even organize the pantry.

"It's all about teamwork!" Angelica declared, handing Erica a mop with a dramatic flourish.

Erica couldn't help but laugh, finding herself enjoying the process more than she ever thought possible. Maybe I'm not as hopeless as I thought, she mused as Angelica's chatter filled the house with warmth.

*****

After hours of cleaning, they finally collapsed onto the porch, sipping glasses of water. Erica glanced out at the rolling hills and the way the golden sunlight bathed the landscape. "You know," she said softly, "I wasn't sure I could handle this life. But today feels... different."

Angelica beamed. "That's the spirit! You just have to give it time. And having a guy like Sam around doesn't hurt, right?" She winked, making Erica laugh despite herself.

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Erica asked, shaking her head.

"Because it's true!" Angelica teased. "But seriously, you'll grow to love it here. Just wait and see."

*****

As the sun dipped lower, Angelica suddenly jumped up, her eyes wide with alarm. "Oh no! I completely forgot—I was supposed to pick vegetables for dinner! My mom's going to kill me!"

Erica laughed as Angelica dashed off, her energy as boundless as when they first met. What a whirlwind of a girl, Erica thought, watching her disappear down the dirt path.

A few moments later, she spotted Sam walking up the road. Her heart lifted at the sight of him, though she wasn't sure why. "Hey, Sam!" she called, waving.

Sam raised an eyebrow as he approached, his gaze flicking toward where Angelica had run off. "What was that about?"

"She's my new friend," Erica said, grinning. "She helped me with chores, and I think I might actually be getting the hang of things."

Sam snorted softly, his expression amused. "Didn't know you'd hire an assistant."

"Not hired. Volunteered," Erica shot back. "Why are you home so early?"

Sam shrugged. "No electricity at the work site. Boss sent us home. Guess you got lucky."

Erica tilted her head, smiling. "Maybe it's your lucky day, too. Now you get to enjoy my company."

Sam rolled his eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Don't push your luck."

As they stood on the porch together, the evening air cool and the distant sound of crickets beginning to hum, Erica felt a surprising sense of contentment.

"Sam," she said suddenly, her voice softer, "I think I'm starting to see why you love it here."

He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. But after a moment, he nodded. "It grows on you."

Erica smiled, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to belong.