WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 21

Months had passed, and the town of Tuguegarao was alive with celebration. The Pavvurulun Afi Festival had transformed the streets into a vibrant tapestry of colors, music, and aromas. From every corner came the sounds of laughter, the rhythms of folk music, and the irresistible scent of grilled meats, sweet rice cakes, and other local delicacies.

Aunt Nena, in her usual enthusiastic fashion, had darted off with her friends to join in the festivities, leaving Erica and Sam alone to explore. The arrangement felt oddly intimate, though neither of them acknowledged it outright.

As they strolled through the crowded streets, Erica couldn't help but feel enchanted. The festival was unlike anything she'd experienced before. This feels... real, she thought, watching children chase each other with colorful balloons and vendors enthusiastically calling out to passersby. So different from the cold, curated events back in the city.

Sam, noticing her wide-eyed wonder, smirked. "You look like a kid in a candy store," he teased, holding up a small plate of skewered meat. "Try this. It's inihaw na baboy. Don't wrinkle your nose—it's better than it looks."

Erica eyed the food skeptically but took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise. "Wow," she said, savoring the smoky, savory flavors. "Okay, I'll admit it. That's good."

"Told you," he said smugly, popping a piece into his mouth.

They moved from stall to stall, sampling everything from sweet bibingka to tangy sinamak vinegar. Erica's favorite was a refreshing calamansi juice served ice-cold in a bamboo cup. Sam teased her when she asked for a second serving.

"You're starting to blend in, princess," he remarked, handing her the drink.

Erica raised an eyebrow at him. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

"Not at all," he replied, his tone softening. "It suits you."

The unexpected warmth in his voice caught her off guard, and for a moment, she couldn't think of a clever retort. What's happening to me? she wondered, sipping her juice to hide her growing blush.

In the town's main square, a small crowd had gathered around a karaoke stage. The sound of off-key singing echoed through the air as brave souls took the mic to perform for the delighted audience.

Sam nudged Erica, his grin mischievous. "Think you can handle some local karaoke, princess?"

Erica smirked, crossing her arms. "Think you can handle being humiliated? I'll blow you out of the water."

"Big talk," he said, raising an eyebrow. "Why don't you prove it?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, no. You first, tough guy."

Sam laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

He stepped onto the makeshift stage, surprising Erica with his confidence. As the music started, Sam launched into a soft rendition of an love song, his deep voice surprisingly melodic. The crowd cheered and clapped along, clearly enjoying his performance. Erica found herself smiling despite herself.

When he finished, he hopped off the stage and bowed theatrically in front of her. "Your turn, princess."

Erica groaned but reluctantly climbed onto the stage. As the opening notes of a popular ballad played, she gripped the mic tightly, her nerves kicking in. But as she began to sing, her voice steadied, and she lost herself in the music. By the time she hit the final note, the crowd erupted in applause.

Sam was waiting for her at the edge of the stage, his expression a mix of surprise and admiration. "Okay," he said, clapping slowly. "I'll admit it—you've got some talent."

Erica smirked. "Told you so."

Nearby, a group of locals had started a traditional dance, clapping to the beat of a lively folk tune. The energy was contagious, and Erica found herself drawn to the makeshift dance floor.

Sam hesitated for a moment but followed her. As the music shifted to a softer rhythm, he held out his hand with a small, teasing bow. "May I have this dance?"

Erica blinked, caught off guard by the gesture. "Are you serious?" she asked, eyeing him skeptically.

"Dead serious," he replied, his smirk softening into something almost sincere.

Swallowing her nerves, she placed her hand in his. The touch sent a spark through her, and she looked away quickly, focusing on their steps as they moved to the rhythm. At first, they stumbled, their movements awkward and unsure. But soon, they found a rhythm, their steps synchronizing as they swayed under the soft glow of festival lights.

For a brief moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world. Erica glanced up at Sam, her breath catching as she met his gaze. His usual teasing expression was gone, replaced by something deeper, more vulnerable.

What is this feeling? she wondered, her heart pounding in her chest.

"You're not bad at this," Sam said quietly, his voice unusually soft.

Erica laughed nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe you're just good at leading."

The music came to an end, and they paused, still close. Neither of them moved, the air between them charged with unspoken words. Erica's cheeks burned as she realized how close they were standing. She took a small step back, breaking the spell.

Before either of them could say anything, Aunt Nena appeared, her arms full of food and trinkets. "There you two are!" she said, her voice cheerful. "Enjoying the festival?"

Erica quickly nodded, her voice slightly shaky. "Yes! It's... amazing."

Sam chuckled, clearly more at ease than she was. "Let's get her some more pancit batil patong before she starts crying again," he teased, winking at Erica.

"Don't push your luck," Erica shot back, but the tension in her chest eased as they all laughed.

As they wandered through the remaining stalls, Erica couldn't shake the warmth that had settled in her heart. She glanced at Sam, who was bartering with a vendor over a small carved figurine. His rugged, familiar presence felt oddly comforting.

Is this what it feels like to belong? she wondered. And for the first time in a long time, she wasn't afraid of the answer.