Desiree had just arrived at her lawyer's office.
"Hi Desiree." Her lawyer Shelly said.
"Hi Shelly." She sat down. "Why don't you look happy?"
"Eli has filled for joint custody of Hallie." "He's seeing a therapist twice a week." "He's requesting a reconciliation."
"You mean I either have to go back to him or grant him joint custody of Hallie?"
"Unless he's exhibited harmful behavior towards her, the court will award reasonable custody."
No I don't want that."
"The court favors an attempt at reconciliation." "We can make sure as part of the agreement, that he stays in therapy." "If the abuse continues we can move quickly to refile for the divorce." "Meanwhile you can protect your assets and change your will."
The next night Desiree agreed to meet Eli for dinner. When she got to the restaurant Eli was already there. He stood up as she came up to the table.
"Hi." He said.
"Hi." They sat down.
"How's Hallie?"
"Hallie's one of the things we need to talk about Eli."
"I know."
"You've got to get help."
"I know and I am I'm in therapy." I just know that I-I need you and need Hallie in my life." He said with tears in his eyes. "It's hard because I realize how bad I treated you and I'm sorry." "I'm really sorry Desiree." "I just want us to be together again."
The next day Andrea was visiting Desiree. She'd just told Andrea she was going back to Eli.
"Are you out of your mind?" Andrea said in disbelief. "He tried to kill you."
"He's seeing a therapist twice a week." "I'm gonna give him one more chance." "The court favors an attempt at reconciliation."
"If he does one thing you have to call the police."
"I don't think it'll come to that but I will."
Two days later Desiree and Hallie were in LA. Desiree had a commercial shoot. John was also in LA for an autograph signing. She hadn't told John she was going back to Eli yet. When Desiree and Hallie returned to New York, Eli was planning on moving back into the house. It was around nine o'clock that night. Desiree and John were staying at the same hotel. Desiree was waiting for John to come over. There was a knock on the door. She answered it. It was John.
"Hi." He said.
"Hi." He went inside. They sat on the couch. "How was your day?"
"Good." "How was the commercial shoot?"
"Good."
"How's Hallie?"
"Good." "She was mad because I wouldn't let her stay up to see you."
"Aw."
"I have something to tell you John." "I'm going back to Eli."
"What?" He said shocked.
"I have no choice." She stood and started pacing. "I have to." "I have to."
John stood up and stopped her. "Desiree don't go back to him." He kissed her slowly. She kissed him back. They looked at each other. "I care about you and I care about Hallie so much." "Please don't do this."
"If I don't I have to, if I don't I have give Eli joint custody of Hallie." "My lawyer said it would work better for me if we attempt a reconciliation."
"I don't like this."
"I know."
"I want to be with you."
"I want to be with you to but we can't." He kissed her again. She kissed him back but broke it. "John you have to go."
"Ok." He left. Desiree was so torn.