It was the beginning of summer, 2017. It had gotten to the point where Eli didn't even have to be drunk to beat Desiree. It seemed like any little thing would set him off. There were days that were great and days that were terrible. Desiree walked on eggshells every day. She was the typical battered wife. Eli was still pressuring Desiree for a second child and had stopped using condoms. Unbeknownst to him Desiree was taking birth control pills. Desiree was making breakfast for Hallie. Eli came into the kitchen and kissed Desiree on the cheek. She jumped.
"I'm sorry baby." Eli said.
"That's ok."
"It's a hot day outside." "I think we should spend it by the day at the pool."
"That's a good idea."
"Hallie would you like to go swimming today?
"Yes daddy." Hallie said.
"Good it'll be a fun day."
After breakfast they went out to the pool.
"Hallie come here." Eli said.
"I want swim daddy."
"I know but you have to get sunblock on first."
They spend the day in the pool. Eli made burgers on the grill. At around six in the evening they were all back in the house. Hallie was upstairs playing in her room. Eli shut her door and went into the master bedroom, which was right down the hall from Hallie's room.
"Desiree come here." Eli said. Desiree came into the bedroom. "Why didn't you wash my shirt?"
"Sorry I forgot." He grabbed her hard by the arms. "Ow!
"You don't listen to anything I say do you?" He said angrily.
"I'm sorry." He smacked her.
For the next several minutes Hallie listened as Eli beat Desiree. She had her hands over her ears and was crying. She was whispering."No daddy." "No hurt mommy, no hurt mommy."
About a half hour later Hallie came out of her room and went into the master bedroom. There she found Desiree asleep. She got on the bed and laid down beside her. Desiree had several bruises on her face. Hallie held her hand doing her best to comfort her.