All I Want for Christmas is a Ph.D.

December 25th - Part 1

Erik was at DeeDee's house waiting for her to finish getting ready. He was relaxing on the couch when his phone rang. He went out to her patio to take the call.

"Merry Christmas man! What's up?"

"Merry Christmas E! Reena and I wanted to know what you were doing today? You are more than welcome to spend the day with us and the kids."

"Thanks Quis. You know I would but I already have plans for the day."

"Take out does not count, E. I know how you are about today. And I don't want to see you holed up in your hotel room while everyone is with family."

"Quis! Relax." He heard noise and turned back towards the apartment. "I promise you, I'm not alone."

"Who could you possibly - nevermind."

Erik could hear another voice and some noise in the background.

"Get back woman. He doesn't want to talk to you."

"Put it on speakerphone, Marquis. NOW!"

"Fine."

Erik heard the click and started to laugh.

"Hello Erik and Merry Christmas." Serena's voice came through.

"Good morning. And Merry Christmas to you too, Serena."

"So, who are you spending the day with?"

"Don't answer that." Marquis' yelled. "Ouch, woman. That hurt."

"Answer the question, Erik."

Erik laughed and smiled as DeeDee walked outside to him.

"E, what are you doing outside?"

He pointed to the phone.

"Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt." She whispered to him, "I'm ready when you are."

She turned to walk inside and Erik grabbed her hand, pulling her to him.

"You aren't interrupting anything. Quis and Reena are on the phone arguing about us."

"About us? What do you mean?"

He pointed to the phone and put it on speaker.

"I told you he was gonna be with her. Pay me my money."

"Reena, you bet on that?" DeeDee looked at the phone.

"Oh, hey DeeDee girl. I mean I just had a hunch."

They all heard a loud thump.

"Quis, just get me my money and stop playing." Serena's voice sounded far away. "Look, I gotta finish cooking but you two have a wonderful day together."

"Erik, be careful. She got a family full of women."

"I think I'll be ok."

"We'll talk to you later. We gotta get over to Ma Dear's. Merry Christmas Oubres."

"Merry Christmas DeeDee."

Erik hung up the phone, leaned against the wall and pulled DeeDee towards him.

"So, what am I truly getting myself into today?"

"You wanna ask that now?" DeeDee crossed her arms over her chest. "After what Quis said?"

"I don't care as long as I am with you." Erik held her in his arms.

"Oh, they are going to eat you alive." DeeDee fixed the collar to his shirt, "We could always order in and chill here."