WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 19

As the day unfolded, Erica and Sam found themselves immersed in the rhythm of rural life, tending to the chickens and ducks in Aunt Nena's backyard. Laughter echoed as Sam playfully teased Erica about her clumsiness.

"Watch out for that one!" Sam exclaimed, pointing to a particularly feisty chicken that strutted toward Erica.

"What do you mean, watch out? It's just a chicken!" Erica laughed, trying to dodge the bird as it flapped its wings.

Sam chuckled, watching her struggle with the feathery creature. "Just wait until it pecks you! You'll be begging for mercy."

"Very funny, Sam!" Erica replied, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress her smile. "Maybe I'll just become a chicken whisperer instead."

Their banter continued as they worked together, Erica gradually loosening up and finding joy in the simple tasks. Sam showed her how to feed the ducks, and she soon discovered that the birds had distinct personalities—some were more aggressive, while others were more timid.

Just as they were getting the hang of it, Aunt Nena returned from a long day of work in the barangay. Her presence filled the yard with warmth and familiarity, and she caught Erica and Sam in the middle of a fit of laughter.

"Oh my! Look at those chickens! They've become so big!" Aunt Nena exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Let's make roasted chicken for lunch!"

Erica's laughter came to an abrupt halt. "Wait, what? No! Don't cook Chuckles!" she shouted, a hint of panic creeping into her voice. The chickens seemed to sense the conversation, clucking in protest as if they understood the fate that awaited them.

Aunt Nena looked at her with mock seriousness. "Who is Chuckles?"

"The fat one!" Sam chimed in, pointing at the plump chicken that seemed to waddle with confidence.

"You mean the one that keeps laughing at me?" Erica added, a playful pout on her face as she knelt down to get a better look at Chuckles. "Oh, Chuckles, I'm sorry. You're too cute to eat!" She held back tears of laughter, pretending to console the chicken.

But later, when the aroma of roasted chicken filled the kitchen, Erica felt her heart sink. She stood by the table, staring at the golden-brown chicken on the platter, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Oh no, Chuckles... she thought, feeling a pitiful lump in her throat.

"Oh, Chuckles, I'm sorry. You're too cute to eat!" she exclaimed again, this time in a voice filled with genuine sorrow.

Sam watched her, amused yet touched by her sincerity as she talked to the roasted chicken, feeling a warmth in his chest. She's too cute when she gets like this.

"It's just a chicken, Erica!" he laughed, shaking his head. "You're being dramatic!"

Erica pouted, her eyes still on Chuckles. "Maybe, but I can't help it! I was just getting to know him!"

Aunt Nena shook her head, laughing. "Oh, Sam, what are you waiting for? Let's eat!"

"Oh yes, yeah... um, let me do my coffee first," Sam replied, heading toward the kitchen.

Erica looked at him, puzzled. "Coffee? It's noon! The sun is blazing hot right now. You want coffee?"

Sam turned to her, an amused expression on his face. "What's wrong with coffee? It's good any time of the day!"

"I don't know, it just seems a bit... odd?" Erica replied, crossing her arms.

Sam chuckled as he prepared the coffee. "You'll get used to it. Besides, it helps me think."

Think about what? Erica wondered, feeling a twinge of curiosity about his habits and his life. "What do you think about?"

Sam paused for a moment, considering her question. "A lot of things. Mostly about how to make my life better, how to keep the farm running, and how to not lose my sanity dealing with... chickens." He shot her a teasing glance.

"Oh, is that what I am? Just another 'chicken' in your life?" Erica replied, smirking but feeling a little flattered.

"Well, you're definitely not just any chicken," Sam said, his tone playful yet sincere.

Erica felt a blush creep up her cheeks at his words. What does he mean by that? She couldn't help but feel a spark of connection between them.

As they sat down for lunch, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. They shared stories about their childhoods, laughter punctuating their conversation.

"You know," Erica began, hesitating for a moment, "I've always been the 'smart' one in school, the one who never made mistakes. I thought that meant I had to be perfect all the time."

Sam looked at her, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, when you're constantly trying to prove yourself, it's hard to relax and just be yourself. I've been so focused on what others think that I forgot to enjoy life." She sighed, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

"I get that," Sam replied, his tone gentle. "But you know, nobody's perfect. We all make mistakes, and that's how we learn."

Erica nodded, her heart warming at his understanding. "Yeah, I guess I'm just starting to realize that."

Sam smiled, a glimmer of respect shining in his eyes. "I think it's great that you're figuring it out. You'll find that it's okay to let go sometimes."

Erica smiled back, feeling lighter. Maybe this place—and Sam—are helping me find a new side of myself.

As they continued to eat, she realized how much she enjoyed their conversations. There was something about Sam that made her feel safe, like she could share her insecurities without fear of judgment.

"Thanks, Sam," she said softly, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "For making me feel... normal."

He met her gaze, his expression earnest. "Always, Erica. You're more than just a city girl here. You're one of us."

The warmth in her chest grew, and she felt a deepening bond with him—a connection that transcended their differences. Maybe this rural life is exactly what I needed after all.