Rated: T or PG-13

Genre: Romance/Suspense/Supernatural

Summary: Last night I dreamt I went back to Manderley. There it still loomed, a grand stately manor, now forgotten except for the ghosts that continue to linger in the halls. We can never go back to Manderley. FULL SUMMARY INSIDE. Christine Daae meets the mysterious and brooding Erik de Winter on a trip to Monte Carlo. She hears rumors that he still mourns the loss of his first wife: the enchanting Luciana de Winter. However, Christine is determined in her affections for him and becomes swept up in a whirlwind romance that leads her to Manderley, Erik's home. There she discovers there is more to Manderley and Erik than what meets the eye as the spirit of Luciana continues to haunt the place she calls home and the man of her dreams…

Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Phantom of the Opera or the settings from Rebecca. I'm only borrowing them and mixing them together.

A/N: After reading the brilliant Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, I knew this would be perfect for Erik and Christine since it contained a lot of the same themes. This story is heavily influenced by Rebecca, but I have made some twists to fit in the Phantom world and hopefully you will all like it as I have writing this. Don't forget to review!

Heaven by the Sea

By: Erik'sTrueAngel

Prologue

Last night I dreamt I went back to Manderley.

It was a rather queer dream since I haven't thought about Manderley in years, but I found myself standing before the massive iron gate that led to the drive. I approached the bars and saw that they had been rusted and tarnished from the cruel elements and the neglect of maintenance. Chains kept the gate together and I seized the bars, peering through, wondering if Manderley suffered the same unfortunate fate as these bars.

Then… I found myself floating above the ground. I looked up and I was already traveling through the iron bars as if the solidity didn't stop me from defying this feat. I found myself questioning how I developed these supernatural-like powers, but decided it was best not to dwell on it and see where this would take me.

My journey took me along the curvy drive that would lead me to Manderley and as I traveled above the earth, I couldn't help but cry at the sight. Mother Nature had already claimed the road with her wild, grassy fingers. The oak trees, once proud and full of life, were dead—the bark rotten and decayed, the branches falling heavily to the ground, the leaves black as night. While the other trees, plants, and shrubs that I do not remember ever being present, had also grown and manifested, intertwining with one another in a dark green and black embrace.

No! This couldn't be the same driveway to Manderley, but in my heart, I knew it was. How many times have I traveled this path in the short time I lived here? I knew it so well from the rides and for stopping to sketch the trees when the leaves were in full bloom.

At long last, my abilities of flight ceased and I was gently returned to earth. I gazed up and there it still loomed… Manderley.

The once stately manor that England had boasted of its pride and joy of all homes was silent as a tomb. The moonlight revealed smashed windows, the jagged glass barely left on the frames; the gray stone walls caved in with very little of the foundation still standing. Looking inside I saw the grand staircase also in ruined as well as the carpets. The paintings and sculptures were nowhere to be found. Either they had been destroyed or taken by scavengers, which whatever I do not know would grieve me more. Such works of art was what gave Manderley its reputation of beauty; and speaking of which, the gardens…

Like the drive, the gardens did not fare at all. Weeds took over the precious rose bushes, wild lilies, and lilacs; long, twisted ivy scattered over the ground and onto the remaining walls like poisoned veins, infecting the once splendor of life. I dared not think what the Happy Valley had become. I don't think my heart could bare anymore heartache and suffering.

Nothing was left. It all had been ravaged based on time, nature, and the…

I closed my eyes. I didn't want to think about it. I couldn't. After all, we had traveled so far to leave the past behind. The ghosts that resided in Manderley were apparently not done with us nor why else would I be dreaming about it? Freedom would never come. We are happy at least. I suppose happiness and bliss would be the greatest gifts of all and it would do, but Manderley… it will always haunt us now. I understand. No matter how far we run, Manderley will always be there.

But we can never go back.

Yet, as my dream seemed to maintain that I needed to stay, I obeyed and gazed at the damage. Oh! The music room! The place that was our sanctuary was obliterated and the instruments… the majestic piano were no longer standing. Tears clung to my lashes and I mourned this room above all else. That was the room that held my most cherished memories, despite the harsh beginnings when I arrived at Manderley.

Then my eyes drifted over to the west wing, which only parts of the foundation remained. I wanted to say she was there laughing at my sadness, but I could not find any trace of such a victory.

Silence. The only sounds were of the sea below, but even then, it was quiet as to not disturb the spirits.

How I wish we could return, but alas, Manderley was no more. And it was better that we would never come back. Let the damn ghosts be well and buried. Perhaps, this was the message I was meant to receive.

Yet, death couldn't break our bond. For here, my life started… or should I say, it began that one winter in Monte Carlo, but Manderley… was where I was reborn.

TBC…

I know this was short, but I wanted to set the tone for what's to come. Next chapter, I promise, is going to be a lot longer. In fact, I'll post that this week instead of next Sunday. Don't forget to click on that review comment and share your thoughts!