A/N: Hi everyone! Sorry for the wait but I have been sick and out of commission. I was watching my copy of the 25th Anniversary of Phantom and then Love Never Dies, which really gave me the strength to log in and get this and Blood's Desire updated. Enjoy!

Chapter 20

Meg came as quickly as she could and put me together in no time. There was little that could have been with my hair, but she left it hanging down to allow the waves and curls to bounce freely; my makeup was reapplied and my mask in place.

Despite the fact the mask did not match the yellow dress; Meg had a way in putting it into perspective.

"You are the sun and the sun is free and natural and it doesn't have to be coordinated to fit the needs of people."

No truer words were spoken and I was ready to face the guests. This time I elected not to sing as I came down the staircase.

While I think about this moment in time… my first and last party at Manderley was one mixed with anguish and happiness. While there plenty of episodes of the former occurring, I knew that I had to endure them all to reach the highlight of this evening. And looking back, I would live through them again and make the same decisions.

Yet, I am getting ahead of myself.

Immediately I was immersed in the crowd, though I did not stand out in the elaborateness and creation of the other costumes. I moved through the throngs of silk, velvet, sequin, and lace… a sea of masks smirking, grinning, and laughing greeted me and I was frozen with uncertainty. I knew I could not lose courage now, but everywhere I turned, I was encountered by the masses.

Feeling rather suffocated, I hurried to the side so I could breathe. From where I stood, I could look on without feeling trapped and admire the various costumes. Some were excellently done, others were not so. Some even took their characters too seriously.

I came across a tragic looking Marie Antoinette and a fairly decent Anne Boleyn in a heated debate over who had the most dramatic death. I couldn't help but chuckle when Anne stated how she could capture the attention of any man (which led to her downfall) while Marie could not even keep her husband's interest.

This created quite a stir among those nearby and everyone had to throw in their input over which deserved the title as Best Headless Death.

Yet, I could not seem to find Erik.

I continued to search for him, but I was stopped several times for hellos and compliments (once they realized I was Mrs. de Winter). There was a guest I was relieved to see as it was a friendly and familiar one.

The bishop's wife took my advice and came as Cinderella when she was the servant. Her gown was simple muslin in brown and a white apron. Her gray hair was pulled into a bun with a kerchief covering her head and her mask was plain cotton white. It really showed her humble beginnings and Adele looked fabulous.

"What fun this is!" Adele exclaimed. "Mrs. de Winter you have done a marvelous job! The bishop and I are enjoying ourselves immensely."

"I'm glad to hear it," I told her. "Where is the bishop?"

"Over there!" Adele pointed. I looked and there he was! As the footman no doubt!

"Sadly, we couldn't find a glass slipper so he has one of my good shoes in his coat pocket," she whispered.

"Either way, you are Cinderella." I smiled.

"Thank you my dear. And you look lovely as well. You are…?"

"The sun," I replied and winced at how silly that sounded. Yet, Adele did not mind and thought it was quite an original. Thankfully, she spotted another acquaintance and went after them. Once again I was alone and I took a deep breath in thanks of this reprieve. I really wished to speak to Erik and the sooner we can settle this matter the better I would feel.

Yet, he was nowhere to be found in the foyer, the dining hall, or any of the parlor and drawing rooms. I dared not ask anyone if they saw him—how terrible that would be—and I couldn't find Nadir, Ayesha, or Giles. I decided to check the gardens but to no avail. If Erik was not with the guests, then he had to be somewhere private.

I ran back into the house and checked the music room.

No Erik.

Next, I went to the library, which was the only place left I could think of. The corridor was empty as the crowd was moving into the large dining room to eat. Erik and I had planned that I would sing after dinner, but until I spoke to him… I do not think I could bear to sing before all these people. Of course, that would mean if Erik still wanted me to go on since I could not find him nor did it seem he was seeking me out.

As I approached the doors, I could hear voices arguing inside. I pressed my ear to the door and recognized Erik instantly! The other two voices—one female and one male—I assumed to be Ayesha and Nadir.

"You're not seeing reason…" That was Ayesha. "She would not do something as callous as showing up in Luciana's last costume."

"Be logical. How could she have known if she was not here to see for herself?" Nadir said.

"Poor thing was distraught!"

"You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment…"

"I am so disappointed that you would think so little of her when all she ever wants to do is please you. Why she cares about you when you are being so thick-headed I cannot fathom."

They were pleading my case and trying to appeal to Erik's sense of logic and reason for my actions. That and Ayesha was throwing in some insults as well. To know that she truly cared about me was more than I could ask for, especially since she was Erik's relations. I had an ally, which was a first and I anxiously waited for my husband's response.

Seconds passed and what had felt to be too long Erik finally broke his silence and I waited with hushed anticipation.

"Yes, I know I reacted irrationally Ayesha. I do not need you to remind me of my faults as you so often like to point out. It was impulsive and cruel on my part. I know my wife wouldn't mean anything by it. I was shocked tis all. The last thing I expected to see coming down the stairs was my dead wife's portrayal as Aminta."

"How could you take it out on her so horribly if you had known she would not mean anything by it?" Ayesha asked.

"Of course I wouldn't expect you to understand Ayesha. I have my reasons for acting thusly; however, I know I was in the wrong and I fully intend to make my apologies to Christine when I find her. I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the predicament. The song I can see as I did leave it out, but the costume? I had the sketch bound in my production notes on a shelf. She would have to have reached high for it as she is rather petite and could not have taken it without an aid of some kind."

"Is it possible you had left it out as you did with the song?" Nadir asked.

"No," Erik said firmly. "I was intending to destroy it like the other possible costumes in the folder. Yet, I had not looked at it for a year. Christine somehow managed to get ahold of it, which is impossible for the height I had it stored. Snooping is not part of her character."

"That's true," Ayesha agreed. "Deceit is not a trait in Christine."

"I will investigate this. How and when Christine had the sketch in her possession I will find out," Erik said. "This is not a matter I will take lightly."

Mrs. Danvers!

The name instantly appeared in my mind. Now it all made perfect sense! She had planned this devious plot to ensure Erik would not have forgotten Luciana on what should have been a joyous occasion and gay celebration. She had to remind him when I would be in the center of attention.

And I!

I fell into her trap so easily and so naively too! I should have known better. I should have suspected her all along. How convenient it was that I could not come up with a costume idea for the Masquerade. And for her to take an interest in my affairs and offer her help… I should have listened to Meg. She had thought the whole thing was unusual, but I, so stupidly wanted to believe that Mrs. Danvers and I could become friends that I thought it would be a fine peace offering to accept her idea.

What a fool!

Recalling her cold and pleased countenance I fully understood the meaning behind that exterior. By playing me, she was able to anger Erik so that I would take refuge in my room. She knew how this would affect me and how I would react. I would be so devastated and humiliated that there was no way I could show myself to my guests. Not when the rejection would be clearly shown in every movement and gesture I make.

Yes…

It would be better if I had not shown up at all and feign a sudden illness to avoid any unwanted attention. Then the guests would have nothing to talk about but Luciana and how she would have done things while I remained hidden.

Her plan had been perfect and I fallen victim to it too quickly.

A hot burst of anger overcame me and I trembled from the intensity that it caused. I could not allow her get away with this. For too long I allowed myself to be bullied by her and this was the final straw. I could not allow this to continue.

I turned away from the library with a renewed sense of purpose. Erik was not upset as he was earlier and he was planning on apologizing to me. This took a great deal of weight off my shoulders and I no longer felt ill. As much as I wanted to throw those doors opened and announced my presence, I knew I must do this alone. As to where Mrs. Danvers was keeping herself… I had a feeling where to go.

The west wing.

Stalking down the hall, I could see a light glowing from underneath the door to Luciana's bedroom. I was not surprised that I would find her there since that was her last connection to her previous mistress.

With a strength I did not possess, I flung opened that door and stormed inside the room. My eyes sought out Mrs. Danvers by the window, whose back was to me. She had not flinched when I entered nor did she show any inclination of awareness that I was near when I moved closer.

Stopping a foot away from her, I announced, "Mrs. Danvers. I want to speak to you about an unsettling matter that I discovered."

She did not turn to face me, but her voice was soft and strange as she took no notice of my agitation towards her.

"Listen to how happy the ocean is. It knows there is a party going on and it's coming to see the festivities and maybe… just maybe catch a glimpse of its mistress standing here in the window. Oh, how she loved to stand and watch and listen. 'Do you hear that Danny?' she would say. 'It's like the waves are singing and I must go and heed its siren's call. Yes… It is a fine day to sail.' How she loved to sail."

I shifted my position as she finally turned to look at me. It was then I saw her eyes were swollen and red, and… was there tears glistening?

Yes there was as a tear trailed down her pale cheek.

I was taken aback by this emotional Mrs. Danvers in my sight. In all my time spent here in Manderley, I never knew she had the ability to express any feelings. Her usual stoic and emotionless expression had kept her separated from the rest of us. I never heard her laugh or see her smile… really smile and to see her cry? It was amazing and frightening all the same. For what was in front of me was a broken woman. A woman who had loved her mistress so dearly and devotedly and who had to lose her when she was so young and so full of life… it was the type of grief that could never be healed no matter the passage of time.

This was the last thing I would have expected from Mrs. Danvers.

I thought I would find her congratulating herself on a job well done. How she put the new Mrs. de Winter to shame that even her own husband could not stand the sight of her. How Luciana was once more in the forefront of his mind and thoughts and how he would remember fonder times they had spent together.

But to see her in her misery I almost felt sorry for her.

Almost.

Despite what she was feeling, she had done a horrible wrong to me. This was not something that would go unpunished if I had any say in it. And I would.

"Mrs. Danvers," I repeated again. "You had gone too far in your animosity towards me. Not only had you embarrassed me in front of my friends, but you also upset Erik, my husband, who did nothing to deserve such heartless treatment. You knew what that costume meant to him and how he would react… yet you convinced me to wear it so I would honor his talents. And I believed you, Mrs. Danvers. I trusted you and we both suffered from your selfish behavior. Well? What do you have to say for yourself? Are you pleased? Are you happy?"

"Why did you come here?" she questioned me. "To Manderley? What were you hoping to gain in a marriage to Mr. de Winter?"

"I love Erik," I answered with conviction. "All I saw was him, not Manderley, and certainly not Luciana."

Mrs. Danvers slowly shook her head. "We were so happy without you here. Mr. de Winter was where he belonged and he had the company of Mrs. de Winter's ghost. What a lovely couple they had made! What a perfectly matched pair! I never saw a married couple who was madly in love with one another as the de Winters! They were the envy of society."

"That's over now," I said. "That ended when Luciana died. Erik had the right to marry again if he chose to and he did."

"You know… I thought I would hate you. When I received Mr. de Winter's letter of his sudden marriage, I was so bitter and infuriated that he would forget her so quickly and easily. How could he after those years together? Did that mean nothing to him? I was so determined to hate you, but I don't anymore. Isn't that queer?"

This entire conversation was surreal and maddening. Mrs. Danvers was not in a sound mind I could see and her singular behavior was filling me with unease. I would have preferred if she yelled or gazed upon me with disapproval than like this. I took a step back when she moved past me, her façade that alarming tranquility and her tone so gentle. However, her words only confused me.

"Why would you hate me?" I asked. "What have I done to make you hate me?"

She let out this shrill laugh. "You haven't figured it out? You do not know?" Coming around, Mrs. Danvers' brow narrowed as her gray eyes bored into me. "You tried to take Mrs. de Winter's place. You wanted to replace her."

"No!" I exclaimed. "That is not true! I made sure everything stayed the same. I have not made any changes to the routines of Manderley and continued to keep the same traditions as before. I approved of everything you put towards me! Menus, flowers, sauces! I have not—not once—requested anything new or different. I left all the decisions to you. I even tried to be friends with you, but you never wanted that! I tried so hard even when I knew all along friendship was never destined for us from the moment we met!"

With every outburst, Mrs. Danvers had not changed nor flinched. She stood as rigid as ever, her hands clasped in front of her, and her countenance maintained the fixed glare with her announcement that I had intended to replace Luciana.

Chest heaving, I was not finished. "People marry more than once you know. Twice, thrice, and sometimes several times if not more! Marriages end Mrs. Danvers. From either on their own accord or by death. People are allowed to be happy and find happiness again with another person. You act as if I committed a heinous crime in marrying Erik. Are we not allowed to experience the joys of matrimony like everyone else? What is so wrong about being happy?"

"Happy?" she spat. "Do you think Mr. de Winter is happy? Of course he's not happy! How can he when all you need to do is look into his eyes and see the Hell that he is in. He will never be happy not with you around."

"You do not know Erik like I do!" I shouted, although my voice shook when I knew Mrs. Danvers spoke the truth. How often have I gazed upon my husband only to find such undeniable sorrow in their very depths? How many times have I laid beside him at night as I listened to him call out for her? How many times have I listened to him telling her every night that he loves her? And how many times have I yearned for him to say those exact words to me? From the moment of our unconventional courtship to our wedding day… Erik has never said "I love you Christine." Not even after when I have told him I loved him. He always wanted to hear my love for him, but not for me.

Not for me.

Mrs. Danvers tilted her head as she heard the hesitance in my tone. There was no ignoring that this was a sensitive subject for me. After all, the last thing I wanted to do was admit that the reason Erik never told me he loved me was because he did not love me. He never has loved me nor will ever love me. I was his only chance of finding companionship in this life until he could once more be reunited with his one true love. I did not want to admit it; I did not want to believe its truth. Yet, right now, as I stood before Mrs. Danvers, all my fears resurfaced and the anger that I found strength in was quickly fading until I was that ignorant and childish girl again. Always full of dreams and fantasies, but too terrified to step into reality of the world. The girl who was constantly reminded of her downfalls and faults and how she would never amount to anything.

That she would never live up to the expectations of being a de Winter.

My knees buckled and I found myself stumbling to find something for me to cling to. I held the bedpost, my body shaking as my face lowered to the ground. All at once I was overwhelmed with the voices of my insecurities.

You are a weak child. You do not have what it takes to be a grand lady.

Failure.

Coward.

How could anyone love a servant? You were born to work not for love.

Naïve.

Foolish.

You have nothing to offer to Erik. Your childish love was all he needed to make you think you were important to him.

You will never be a de Winter. You will never live up to the honor of what that name means to the world.

You are no one.

"Stop!" I gasped, clapping my hands over my ears to block out those voices. "It cannot be true! It can't be! Oh God, please don't let it be so!"

Erik will never fall in love with you. Compared to Luciana… you are a talentless, beauty-less mouse. How could he love someone like you when Luciana was so beautiful? Even Nadir told you about her beauty and you saw that he was attracted to her.

I collapsed to the ground, blinded by tears, as I wept.

Erik did not love me, I repeated in my thoughts. Erik did not love me he won't love me he can't love me he loves her only her and will love her forever and ever. He tells her he's sorry and he loves her loves her loves her for the rest of his life.

Mrs. Danvers came to stand over me. "You thought you could change him. You thought you could get him to love you. Now you know the truth."

"W-w-why?" I cried. "Why did you give me that sketch? Why convince me to wear that costume?"

"The Masquerade ball was Mrs. de Winter's favorite. It was the only party she looked forward to each season. The one where she could dress up and be someone else for the evening. 'Oh Danny, I have a wonderful idea on who I could be!' She loved to impersonate others. And she always did a fantastic job in mimicking her friends. They loved it. They encouraged her. They always said that no one could do a better job at being them than Mrs. de Winter. You were taking that away from her by throwing your own Masquerade as if you had the right. I had to teach you a lesson. You had to learn that the Masquerade was Mrs. de Winter's territory and no one else could replace all the hard work she put into it."

"At Erik's expense?" I accused. "You hurt him! You made him suffer!"

Mrs. Danvers tightened her fist while her lips puckered. "I hurt him?! Well, if you want me to admit my guilt, then so be it. Yes! I wanted Mr. de Winter to suffer. I wanted him to suffer the same way I suffered when he brought you to Manderley. Flaunting you to all the staff, parading you as Mrs. de Winter. Forcing you into my life! There has been only one Mrs. de Winter, the real Mrs. de Winter. And, she! She is the only one I will follow and obey. She may be gone, but her ghost still lives! She sees you. She sees the wretched substitute Mr. de Winter picked and curses the day you met Mr. de Winter! Oh yes… she sees all. She sees the mockery you have given to the name. A paid companion! A classless no one! You are not worthy to carry the de Winter title. You were not born into this world! But she! She was and she had prepared for this all her life and to see everything she has accomplished gone to ruin… I have suffered greatly for Mr. de Winter's lack of sympathy. To marry within a year and expect everyone to accept you as the new mistress? It is a sin and now Mr. de Winter is paying the price. He knows that she will never leave Manderley and his punishment is to carry that knowledge to his grave."

"I don't want to hear!" I pleaded. "Stop! Mrs. Danvers stop!"

But she would not listen. She was a madwoman in her rage. I tried to cover my ears to block her out, but her voice only grew louder and I had no choice but to hear all she had to say.

"My Mrs. de Winter was the envy of society! Every lady wanted to be like her, but she was mine. My lady. How I loved to serve her! Even when she was only a child I knew she was meant for greater things. And she did too. I recall once when she was seven-years-old she turned to me and said, 'I shall be the most beautiful person in the whole world Danny. Everyone will adore me and love me and I will laugh because they cannot ever be me!' She did grow into such a beauty. Such glorious black hair; wide, vibrant blue eyes; bright ruby lips, and smooth, flawless white skin! Men would fall over their feet to catch a glimpse of my lady. She had many suitors and they were all clamoring to be her husband. What delight she found this to be! If she were to show favor in one, then the rest would triple their interest in lavish gifts and jewels. Besides her beauty, she was clever and talented. She knew how to play those men and say what they wanted to hear so they would do her bidding. She had been doing this since she could talk! Her father had been wrapped around her finger when she was an infant!

"But she had a wild streak in her… the most daring spirit I had ever seen. She was always seeking a challenge. When she discovered sailing it was the perfect activity for her. The thrill being out on the water and how the weather will quickly change to dangerous conditions... Those were the best times to sail she would tell me. I was worried for her, but she would laugh at my foolish concerns for she knew what she was doing and I believed her. Even Mr. de Chagny would tell me to keep an eye on her for she was very impulsive. Of course, he was just as bad. As children, they would dare and bet one another to do these outrageous stunts! They were always trying to outdo the other, but my lady was always victorious! She could beat Mr. de Chagny at any dare and game. She was a wonderful fencer and she loved to play rugby. Such a tomboy but still very much a lady.

"However, out of all her lovers, it was Mr. de Winter she attracted and all she had to do was sing. She had a natural voice and that drew him to her and it was not long before she told me of her engagement. 'Oh Danny! What wonderful news! I am to be married and to Mr. de Winter no doubt! His Manderley is the most spectacular home in England, but Danny… there's a lot that needs to be done that only a mistress could tend to. I shall make it one of the Eighth Wonders! People from all over the country and the world will want to visit Manderley.' So besotted she was that she didn't care what the others said about her husband-to-be. Even Mr. de Chagny tried warning her on what kind of man Mr. de Winter was, but she would not hear of it.

"'I don't care about the mask, Danny,' she said. 'He could be horribly deformed or dashingly handsome, but he is a man above all. Have you heard him play? His music is nothing I have ever heard and the stubborn man won't publish it should he be ridiculed. How silly! I will convince him Danny. You watch and see. Mr. de Winter will share his music to the world and I will sing at his side. We will be perfect!' I did not doubt my lady for when she says she will do something, then it will be done. Mr. de Winter did not stand a chance with her charms and soon he was known as the Phantom to the world. Yet, their circle of friends eventually knew the truth for she could not keep it a secret any longer. She was so proud of him and she wanted everyone to know that the Phantom was her husband. They were a perfect couple, despite the mask. My lady never questioned it but she did confess one night to me how Mr. de Winter did share what was behind.

"She was sitting right there at her vanity as I brushed her hair. There was this smile on her lips as if she discovered a fantastic gift. 'I saw Danny,' she said. I did not have to ask what it was she saw. I knew right away. 'And?' I asked, 'Was it like everyone had said?' 'Oh Danny, I won't tell!' she laughed. 'But I know the truth Danny and that's all I need.' I knew right then that it was part of his eccentricity. My lady would not dare to let anything ugly in her sight or let alone touch her. I was so happy for her, more so than ever. She had everything she ever wanted and she lived a fairy tale life. Everything was in her favor until—"

At this, Mrs. Danvers let out this hideous wail. "God had to take her! He had to take her away from me! Me! How could He do something like this? How could He take this precious child from the world? Did He not know how important she was? The angels had to be jealous. Jealous of her looks, jealous of her voice, that of course, God had to take her life away so we mortals could not enjoy our time with her. He wanted her for Himself! But she would not let that happen. She returned to Manderley, her ghost walks these halls because she is not ready yet. She will go when she is ready to go and no one… not even God could tell her what to do. They all must obey her! Not the other way around. And she won't go until she feels that Mr. de Winter is punished thoroughly for his crime in marrying you!"

"Enough!" I shouted but my demand was feeble and I shrunk back as Mrs. Danvers continued her ravings.

"He was miserable as he should be, the grieving husband mourning for his beautiful bride. Then he left Manderley at Mr. Khan's insistence! Did he not know that Mr. de Winter wanted to be alone with her? To Monte Carlo he goes, the place where they had honeymooned, and what should he find? A new wife! A silly young thing old enough to be his daughter! I'm sure he fancied himself happy, but when it came time to return home… he eventually discovered what a terrible mistake it had been. You did not fit in. Everyone knew that and how they talked about you! Yes! They all did and laugh behind your back they did. How Mr. de Winter could be so blind as to marry someone like you, believing you could make him happy. Never had I seen such an opposite pair!

"However, Mr. de Winter decided to keep you around and as such I had to suffer. To wait on you, to listen to you, and to know that you destroyed my lady's cupid… I could not be idle any longer. I sent for Mr. de Chagny as he was my only link left to my lady. I told him about you and how you were destroying what she had built. He understood my plight, but only saw this as another opportunity to get back at Mr. de Winter. When she was alive, Mr. de Winter had ordered that he was never to return to Manderley, but my lady did not follow it. Mr. de Chagny was her cousin! Her husband could not dictate what guests she could and could not have. And for him to once more break the bonds between myself and Mr. de Chagny! How he could he hurt me thusly? Of course, it was out of jealousy. He never liked Mr. de Chagny. He never liked how my lady would devote all her attention to her cousin and not to him. So it goes to show that Mr. de Winter has never forgotten her."

"I don't want to know. I don't want to know," I said, closing my eyes tightly. Images of Erik with Luciana flashed through my mind. Their love for each other, the passion and jealousy that sparked within them; and underneath it all, Erik had trusted her to reveal his face to her. I had long stopped seeing the mask as a separate entity, but as part of Erik's face like my own naked face. I saw his soul and his heart and I love all of him. Even if he was scarred… I did not care. I loved the man and not the physical appearance. Yet, Erik would not share with me his secret. The fact that he wouldn't prove to me that his love for Luciana far surpassed than whatever feelings he had for me. "Have mercy Mrs. Danvers! I cannot hear more!"

There was silence then a rustling of fabric and creaking of the floorboards and I opened my eyes to find Mrs. Danvers staring at my face, her lips drawn back in a vicious snarl. "You need to get used to it. You may be married to Mr. de Winter but you are not Mrs. de Winter. Even in death she is still mistress of Manderley and you better learned your place in this home. You are no equal here. Or, perhaps, you should leave. Yes. You should leave Manderley behind. You are not wanted here. No one sees you as mistress anyways and it will make everyone happy."

"Anthony said they liked me. He said—"I choked.

"Anthony that old fool. He is humoring you for his niece's benefit. No. No one in the staff likes you and they speak on how they wished you were dead and not Mrs. de Winter!"

I gasped out, my hands reaching for Mrs. Danvers as she lifted herself up to stand over me. Looking down her nose, she clicked her tongue, "Look at you. You're a miserable creature. You've known all along you do not belong so why fight the inevitable? You knew this from the start that your place was not here. The only option that I see to make everyone happy is for you to take your leave once and for all."

She turned and began to move towards the window again. I was on the floor, sobbing, as the truth settled over me. Yes… she was right. I had known all along that I did not belonged here. How many times have I had this argument with Erik? He wanted to insist that I could be a part of his world, but that was only a lie. One that would eventually come to light if I remained.

The only option was there all along. Mrs. Danvers was right.

I was better off leaving Manderley for good.

Not only for myself, but for Erik's as well. In time, he would grow to regret his decision in marrying me. If he hasn't already, then he is on his way. And when that time comes… there will be nothing but bitterness and contempt between us.

My heart was breaking in half all over again.

This time I knew because it had to be done. I will love Erik forever I know that. There will never be another man in my life.

It was love that had me marry him and it would be love that would tear us apart. I had to do this.

I pushed myself to my feet and shuffled to Mrs. Danvers who already had the window opened.

"Go on," she said softly, almost sweetly. "Come take a look."

I poked my head out the window to see the waves of the ocean crashing below us. A chill crawled down my spine.

"Do not fight it anymore," Mrs. Danvers added, encouraging. "You know what must be done. You had known this before. Go on. Take a step closer. Watch the sea. It won't be painful and soon… all of this will be over. You will no longer have to think about Mr. de Winter or Mrs. de Winter. You will be free from this sorrow."

"Free," I repeated, gazing out to the sea. It looked so inviting that if I listened closely… I could hear my name being whispered.

"That's it, my dear," Mrs. Danvers cooed. "You're almost there. Take that final step."

TBC…