The next morning, Erica woke before dawn, her heart set on proving herself. I'm not going to let Sam think I can't handle this. I need to show him I belong here... that I'm more than just a spoiled city girl.

She dressed quickly, pulling on jeans and a flannel shirt, her hands trembling with excitement. Quietly, she tiptoed past Sam's room, careful not to wake him, and slipped out into the cool, dewy morning. The dirt road stretched ahead of her, and she felt a thrill of determination as she made her way to the town market.

The market was alive with activity even in the early hours. Vendors were setting up stalls piled high with fresh produce, dried fish, and spices. The smell of grilled meats mingled with the sweetness of ripe fruits. Erica breathed in deeply, the lively energy fueling her resolve.

As she wandered, her attention was caught by a small carinderia. A woman stood behind a steaming pot, stirring its contents with practiced ease. The rich, garlicky aroma wafted toward Erica, making her stomach growl. She hesitated, then approached, her curiosity outweighing her nerves.

"Hi," Erica said, smiling. "That smells amazing. What are you cooking?"

The woman looked up, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile. "Adobong baboy. It's a favorite around here. Would you like some?"

"Actually," Erica said, biting her lip, "I was wondering if you could teach me how to make it. I'm... new to this whole cooking thing."

The woman's laughter was warm and encouraging. "Of course, I'd be happy to. Come, let me show you."

Erica leaned in as the shopkeeper explained the process step by step, her voice full of pride and expertise. Garlic first, then the pork... brown it until it's just right. Be patient with the vinegar, don't stir too soon. Let the flavors come together. Erica jotted down notes on the back of an old receipt, her fingers smudged with ink and the occasional splash of soy sauce.

By the time she'd gathered all the ingredients - fresh pork, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns - she felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This has to work. Sam might not say it, but I know he's been watching me, waiting for me to fail. Not today.

*****

Back at the house, the kitchen was silent except for the rhythmic sound of her chopping. The garlic sizzled in the pan, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma. Erica worked carefully, adding each ingredient in the right order, her heart pounding with both focus and anticipation.

I can do this. I'm not just trying - I'm changing.

She was stirring the pot when she heard heavy footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Sam stumble into the kitchen, his hair a mess and his eyes half-closed. He yawned, scratching the back of his neck.

"Wow, Ma," he said groggily, sniffing the air. "Your adobo woke me from bed." But when he looked at the stove, his sleepy expression shifted to surprise. "Wait... you're cooking?"

Erica smirked, feeling a flicker of pride. "Surprise! And no, I'm not Aunt Nena, but I think I nailed it."

Sam leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "I think we might need to call the doctor if I get food poisoning." His words were teasing, but there was a familiar sharpness in his tone that made Erica's smile falter for just a moment.

"Very funny," she shot back, flipping the pork pieces with exaggerated flair. "You'll be begging for seconds before you know it."

Her confidence seemed to throw him off. For a moment, he just stared at her, his usual guarded expression softening. She's... different like this, he thought, the realization catching him off guard. She's not giving up.

"What's with the staring?" Erica asked, waving a spoon at him. "Am I that mesmerizing, or are you finally impressed?"

Sam blinked, a faint flush creeping up his neck. "Just making sure you don't burn the house down," he muttered, but the hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

Erica grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

*****

When the adobo was finally done, Erica plated it with care, adding a heaping scoop of rice. "Chef Sam," she said with a dramatic flourish, setting the dish in front of him. "Your breakfast is served."

Sam eyed the plate skeptically, then took a cautious bite. As the flavors hit his tongue, his eyes widened slightly. He chewed slowly, his expression unreadable at first, then nodded.

"This is... actually good," he admitted, his voice tinged with surprise.

Erica's face lit up. "Really? I did it! I knew I could."

Sam took another bite, a reluctant smile forming. "Maybe I was wrong about you," he said, his tone softer than usual. "You might just survive out here after all."

Her heart swelled at his words, small as they were. "Coming from you, that means a lot," she said, her voice warm.

As they ate together, the tension from the past few days seemed to ease slightly. The morning sunlight streamed into the kitchen, bathing them in a golden glow.

After a moment of quiet, Erica took a deep breath. "Sam, I just want to say I'm sorry for what I said before. I didn't mean to offend you. I know I have a lot to learn, but I'm trying. I really am."

Sam set down his fork, his gaze steady. "I know you are," he said after a pause. "But this life isn't easy. You've got to take it seriously. There's no room for mistakes out here."

"I understand," she said softly. "And I appreciate everything you and Aunt Nena have done for me. I want to be better - not just for me, but for you guys too."

Sam nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than usual. "That's all anyone can ask."

Erica smiled, her chest filling with hope. As she cleared the table, she felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted. It's not perfect, but it's progress.

Sam leaned against the counter, watching her. Maybe she's stronger than I thought. And maybe... He shook his head, pushing the thought away.

But as he left the kitchen, a small, unfamiliar feeling stirred within him. Maybe I've been too hard on her. Maybe she does belong here... with me.

*****

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.