Christmas.

Chapter. 1.

Nobody's POV.

"I wanna put the star up daddy" Eli said excitedly.

"OK come'ere big guy" Elliot said taking him in his arms and lifting him up to put the star on. Olivia walked in with Noah in her arms.

"The tree looks great" she smiled and Elliot smiled.

"Yeah I'm looking forward to the holidays this year" he said but Olivia knew something wasn't right.

"El is everything OK?" she asked and he sighed.

"I just hope I don't have to work"

"It'll be fine" Olivia reassured putting a hand on his shoulder. Elliot was about to answer when Calvin rushed in.

"Liv I gotta B+ in my history test" he said excitedly.

"Calvin that's amazing" Olivia said, kissing his forehead.

"Thanks" he smiled and Maureen walked in.

"Dad Kathleen's been hogging the shower" she groaned and Elliot sighed.

"Just tell her dinner's almost ready and I need her down here" Olivia said and Maureen nodded.

"Thanks Liv" she said running off. Things where always so hectic in the Stabler household and now the holidays were here and things were even worse. Elliot felt bad leaving Olivia home but she convinced him that she would be fine.

Elliot's POV.

"How's liv?" Nick asked and I sighed I really didn't want to be worrying myself by thinking about what she could be doing or if the kids are OK or how the baby's doing.

"She's good, she's taking the kids to see santa today" I said going through my files.

"Are you not gonna go?"

"Nah Cragen called me in" I said looking back down.

"I can cover for you"

"Nick I'm fine. Really I am" I said, I just really wanted him to shut up. I know it's rude but seriously, ever since he and Liv got into a fight last week he's been sucking up to me. I guess I could see where he's coming from but if he really wants to help out, he could keep out of my business.

Olivia's POV.

"OK kids let's go" I called from the doorway. Lizzie, Dickie, Calvin and Eli raced down the stairs and into the car. "Yay! Santa! Santa!" Eli exclaimed.

"I'm not going to see santa" Lizzie moaned.

"You're not, but Eli wants to go so Eli's going" I said trying to stay calm despite the fact Noah was screaming, Eli was singing and Lizzie was complaining.

We got to the store and Lizzie, Dickie and Calvin ran off while I took Noah and Eli to see santa. It was Eli's turn to sit on Santa's lap and he was very excited. He ran up and sat on his knee and started making a list of what he wanted. All the while Noah screamed, then he started to vomit violently. I saw Calvin with his friends. I rushed over to him. "Calvin, watch Eli for me OK?" I asked and he nodded.

"Sure I'll watch him" he said and I ran off to the bathroom to change Noah. I changed his clothes and texted Maureen.

I went back to the long line of excited kids but I couldn't see Eli or Calvin anywhere. I caught a glimpse of Calvin so I ran. "Where's Eli?" I asked breathlessly.

"He was just here" Calvin said and now I was panicked. Calvin took Noah in his arms while I desperately searched.

"Eli? Eli!" I called pushing passed people. I ran through the store but I couldn't find him anywhere. I grabbed my phone and dialed Elliot.

"El there's an emergency" I said teary eyed.

"Is it the baby? Where are you? Are the kids OK?" he asked all at once.

"No. Eli's gone he's gone I can't find him anywhere" I said between sobs.

"What?!" he half asked half yelled.

"Noah was really sick so I told Calvin to take Eli but when I came back he-he was gone" I stuttered.

"OK just stay calm, I told Eli what to do if he ever gets lost" he said but I knew he was just trying to calm me down.

"I see him!" I exclaimed running toward the back exit. I kicked the guy in the santa suit to the ground and took Eli's hand. "Pervert!" I yelled kicking him again. I looked at Eli who was crying hysterically.

"Are you OK sweetheart?" I asked hugging him tightly.

"No he m-made me-" he began but broke down into tears.

"It's OK" I said almost in a whisper. Two mall cops ran over to us.

"What's going on here? Ma'am why did you attack this man?" he yelled taking me by the arm but I pulled away.

"That man is a pervert and a kidnapper!" I yelled and he just looked at me sideways.

"I'm sorry but you don't get to make that call, I think we can leave that to the police" he said.

"I am the police" I snapped showing him my badge which I almost always have with me in case of emergency.