The next month it was Christmas Eve. Desiree was throwing a big Christmas party. It was the afternoon. She was in the kitchen making food for the party. Eli was playing with Hallie in the living room.
"Guess what Hallie." Eli said. "Santa Claus is coming tonight." "He's coming with all his reindeer, he's gonna come down the chimney and leave you all sorts of neat presents."
Desiree came into the room. "What are you two up to?"
"I was telling Hallie about Santa."
"Mama." Hallie said handing her a block.
"You want mommy to play to?" Desiree asked. She got down on the floor.
"I want another baby." Eli said.
"Hallie's only thirteen months old."
"I know but I want a son, Eli Jr."
"Maybe in a few years, not right now."
"Ok."
During the party Eli had been drinking heavily. Desiree hadn't noticed because she was spending time with friends and family, including Andrea. Andrea kept giving him dirty looks to Eli making him more and more angry.
After everyone left Desiree and Eli were getting ready for bed. They just got in the bed.
"Why are you being so quiet?" Desiree asked.
"You left me alone all night." He said irritated.
"You disappeared." "You were to concerned with the eggnog."
"Oh, so this is my fault?"
"Go to sleep." She went to roll and he grabbed her hard by the hair. "Ow!" She yelled.
He got on top of her and punched her in the face, then he started choking her. "Why do you make me do this huh?!
"Eli." She managed to croak out. Hallie started to cry. He let her go and she took a deep breath.
"You better not tell anyone about this?" "Do you understand me?"
"Yes." She said terrified.
"You better not leave either, if you do, I'll kill you."
"I'm not going anywhere."
He got off of her. "I love you."
She got up to go check on Hallie. She was shaking and scared. She picked Hallie up.
"It's ok sweetie." She said. She started to cry. "Mommy's ok."