Helping Aunt Nena in the kitchen, and sneaking glances at Sam across the yard had become her new normal. But amidst the simplicity, there was a vibrant undercurrent - a secret connection that thrummed between her and Sam like an unsung melody.

Every stolen glance, every accidental touch, carried more weight than words ever could. The kiss they had shared a few days ago lingered, unspoken yet undeniably present, in every interaction.

Erica found herself watching him more than she should. The way his hands moved with a confident precision as he repaired a fence or the way his deep, rumbling laugh lit up the quiet afternoons - they were details she had started to treasure. She wasn't sure when it had happened, but Sam had become her favorite part of the day.

Late one afternoon, while they worked in Aunt Nena's vegetable garden, Erica straightened her back and wiped the sweat from her brow. She glanced over to find Sam crouched near the fence, pulling weeds with practiced ease.

He looked up at just the right moment, their eyes meeting. His lips curved into a soft, knowing smile, and her heart skipped a beat. How does he do that? she wondered, smiling back despite herself. How does one look from him make everything else disappear?

She quickly looked away, her cheeks warm. We really should be more careful. She turned back to her task, her hands moving methodically through the dirt, but her thoughts were far from the rows of plants.

"Hey, Sam," she called out suddenly, trying to sound casual. She dusted her hands on her jeans as she walked toward him.

He glanced up again, his expression curious but amused. "What's up?"

She hesitated, glancing over her shoulder toward the kitchen window where Aunt Nena was likely preparing dinner. Her voice dropped slightly. "Are you free later?"

Sam straightened, resting his hands on his hips as he studied her. "That depends. What are you plotting?"

She rolled her eyes, but a grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I was thinking... maybe we could meet up after dark. By the river."

Sam arched an eyebrow. "The river?"

"Yeah," she said quickly, crossing her arms as if to shield herself from his teasing. "It's quiet there. And safe. No one will see us."

He stepped closer, a playful glint in his eye. "You sure this isn't a trap? You leading me out there just to leave me stranded?"

Erica scoffed, though she couldn't help but laugh. "As tempting as that sounds, no. Just... be there. Okay?"

Sam's smirk softened into something warmer. "Alright," he said, his voice low. "After dark, by the river."

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet as Erica prepared to leave. She pulled on a cardigan, the evening chill seeping into the old house. Aunt Nena was busy knitting in her rocking chair, the rhythmic click of needles filling the cozy space.

"I'm going to get some fresh air," Erica announced, trying to keep her tone casual.

Aunt Nena peered at her over her glasses. "Fresh air? In the dark? Be careful, child. There are coyotes out there."

"I'll stay close," Erica promised, feeling a pang of guilt for the little white lie. She slipped out the door before Aunt Nena could ask any more questions, the cool night air brushing against her skin as she made her way down the path.

The forest was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. Crickets chirped, and the faint rustle of leaves whispered in the breeze. Erica's footsteps were soft against the dirt trail, her heart pounding with both anticipation and nervousness.

When she reached the riverbank, she paused. The water flowed gently under the moonlight, and the stars above seemed to shine brighter in the solitude of the woods. This place feels like it belongs to us now, she thought, a small smile playing on her lips.

She wrapped her arms around herself, the thrill of sneaking out mingling with the warmth of knowing she'd see him soon. I can't believe we're doing this - sneaking around like teenagers. Why does it have to be this way?

A sound behind her made her turn, and there he was - Sam, his figure silhouetted against the dim light of the moon. He walked toward her with that confident stride, his expression softening when their eyes met.

"You're late," Erica teased, leaning casually against a tree, though her pounding heart betrayed her.

Sam smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I had to make sure no one saw me leave. You know how Aunt Nena is."

Erica laughed, the sound light and genuine. "She's like a hawk. I'm pretty sure she can hear us whispering from a mile away."

"Wouldn't surprise me," Sam said, stepping closer. His teasing tone faded as he looked at her. "You look beautiful tonight."

His words caught her off guard, and she felt her cheeks heat under his gaze. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice softer now. "You... you look good too."

He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was gentle, but it sent a shiver down her spine. "I missed this," he said quietly, his eyes searching hers. "Being with you. Even if we have to sneak around."

Erica's chest tightened. "Me too," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "But... I hate that we have to hide."

Sam sighed, his jaw tightening. "Do you ever think about what it'd be like if we didn't have to?"

Her throat tightened as she met his gaze. Every day, she thought. I dream about it. About holding your hand in town, about being able to laugh and talk without worrying about who's watching.

"Sometimes," she said finally, her voice barely audible. "But we'll make it work, won't we?"

Sam's smile returned, though it carried a hint of sadness. "We will," he said firmly. "I don't want to hide forever, Erica."

She reached for his hand, threading her fingers through his. "We won't," she promised, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. "Just... not yet."

He squeezed her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "As long as I'm with you, I can wait."

The words wrapped around her heart, filling her with a warmth that chased away her doubts. She stepped closer, resting her forehead against his. "We'll figure it out," she whispered, her words a quiet vow. "Together."

Sam closed his eyes, breathing her in. "Together," he repeated, the word carrying the weight of his trust.

For a long time, they stood there, the river murmuring softly at their feet and the stars above bearing silent witness to their love. In that moment, the world faded away, leaving just the two of them and the quiet certainty of what they shared.

Maybe one day, this won't be a secret, Erica thought, hope mingling with longing. Maybe one day, we won't have to hide.

But for now, it was enough to be together, wrapped in the quiet embrace of the woods and the promise of a love worth fighting for.

*****

Month Later...

The university buzzed with its usual chatter as students moved between classes, their laughter and conversations blending into a lively hum. For Erica, the past few weeks had been a whirlwind of adjustments. The towering buildings, the crowded hallways, and the late-night study sessions felt worlds apart from the life she had once known.

Though Sam's presence made it easier, she still felt like a fish out of water. Watching him thrive - easily slipping into conversations and routines - only highlighted her struggle. She envied his ease, the way he seemed to belong anywhere.

That afternoon, Erica waited by the campus entrance, her bag slung over one shoulder. Sam had promised to walk her home after their classes, but her eyes landed on him across the courtyard, standing near one of the benches. He wasn't alone.

Andrea.

The name alone made Erica's stomach tighten. Andrea was Sam's childhood friend, someone who had grown up alongside him in Solana. She was radiant, her long hair catching the sunlight as she laughed at something Sam said.

Erica couldn't help but watch, her heart sinking with every moment. The way Andrea leaned in when she spoke, the way Sam's face lit up - it all felt too easy, too familiar.

Why does she always smile like that? Erica thought, biting the inside of her cheek. And why does Sam look so comfortable around her?

Her chest tightened as a wave of jealousy washed over her. She hated the feeling - hot and suffocating, like a fire she couldn't put out.

Sam glanced in Erica's direction, his expression softening as he spotted her. He lifted a hand to wave her over, but Andrea tugged lightly at his arm, stealing his attention once more.

"Sam," Andrea said with a playful lilt to her voice, "I've missed hanging out with you. We need to catch up more."

Sam chuckled, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Yeah, I've missed you too."

Erica's fingers gripped the strap of her bag tightly. She felt like an outsider, standing there while Andrea held Sam's attention so effortlessly. She's too close to him. She always has been.

Without waiting for him to notice her again, Erica turned on her heel and walked away, her steps quick and purposeful. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew she couldn't stand there any longer.

*****

Sam looked up a moment later, his smile faltering when he realized Erica was no longer there. His eyes scanned the area, confusion clouding his features.

"Erica?" he called out, his voice tinged with worry.

Andrea tilted her head, noticing his sudden distraction. "What's wrong?"

Sam shook his head slightly. "Nothing. I just - " He glanced back at her, forcing a small smile. "I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

Andrea nodded, though curiosity flickered in her eyes. "Alright. Don't be a stranger, Sam."

He gave her a quick nod before pulling out his phone, dialing Erica's number. Each ring felt like an eternity. "Pick up, Erica," he muttered under his breath, but the call went unanswered.

*****

Erica walked quickly, her thoughts a chaotic mess. The farther she got from campus, the heavier her emotions became.

Why do I feel like this? she wondered, the sting of jealousy gnawing at her. It's just Andrea. They're just friends. But why does it feel like she has a piece of him that I don't?

By the time she reached the house, her chest was tight, her breath quick and uneven. She pushed through the front door and headed straight for her room, ignoring Aunt Nena's warm greeting from the kitchen.

Her door slammed shut behind her, the sound echoing through the quiet house. She leaned against it, her hands trembling.

"Erica?" Aunt Nena's voice called out, laced with concern.

But Erica didn't answer. She sank onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow as her emotions swirled uncontrollably.

Why does it bother me so much? she thought, frustration bubbling up. I trust Sam. I know he wouldn't hurt me. But why does it feel like he's slipping away every time Andrea's around?

The sound of Sam's knock interrupted her spiraling thoughts.

"Erica? Are you in there?"

She froze, her heart hammering.

"Erica, please," his voice came again, softer this time. "Talk to me."

But she couldn't. She stayed silent, her face pressed against the pillow.

*****

Sam stood outside her door, his worry growing with each passing second. He turned to see Aunt Nena approaching, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"What's going on?" she asked, glancing at Erica's closed door.

Sam ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply. "I don't know. She was fine earlier, but then... I don't know."

Aunt Nena frowned. "Did something happen?"

"I was talking to Andrea," Sam admitted, his voice low. "And then Erica just... left."

A knowing look flickered across Aunt Nena's face, but she said nothing at first. Instead, she placed a hand on Sam's shoulder. "Give her some space," she advised. "Sometimes we women need a little time to sort out what we're feeling."

Sam hesitated, glancing back at the door. "I don't want her to think I don't care."

"She knows you care, Sam," Aunt Nena assured him gently. "But sometimes, letting someone breathe is the best way to show that."

*****

Inside her room, Erica stared at the ceiling, her thoughts quieter now but no less conflicted. I'm being ridiculous, right? Andrea's just his friend. He loves me. I know that. So why does this hurt so much?

She sat up slowly, brushing her hair out of her face. Her eyes fell on her phone, which sat untouched on the bedside table. She noticed Sam's missed call, her heart aching at the sight of his name on the screen.

Taking a deep breath, she stood and moved toward the door. Her hand hovered over the doorknob for a moment before she opened it.

Sam was still there, leaning against the wall. His head snapped up at the sound, relief flooding his face.

"Erica," he said, his voice soft.

She met his gaze, her emotions still raw but no longer overwhelming. "We need to talk," she said quietly.

Sam nodded, his expression serious. "I'm here. Let's talk."

And for the first time that day, the tension began to ease. They weren't okay yet, but the path to understanding was open, and they both knew it was worth walking together.