Game End (Socks CDXCVI)

Maiden continued, “Sometimes Dan gets a sweet tooth, and eats a lot of candy. He especially likes the chocolates.”
Maiden had to explain to Rar that Dan’s tooth was really normal, it was just an expression.
“Who made up that expression?”
“Sophie says it, but I don’t know who made it up.”
The game was winding down, and Kyle put his feet on the floor.
Sophie sat between Kyle and Dan, slightly closer to Kyle, “They should pull the goalie pretty soon.”
No one spoke, but everyone leaned forward in their seat.
Then, “Crap, anyone but the Ducks.”
“I agree.”

Off Subject (Socks CDXCV)

“That emerald doesn’t deserve a name.”
“What about the ring?”
A pause.
“I’m not sure. In fact I’m not sure I care. I just wish they’d shut up.”
“I’m with you there Lar. We’re getting off the subject.”
“What is the subject?”
“Maiden, and his crappy job.”
“Ah, that was the subject. His job really bothers you. Doesn’t it?”
“Sure does.”
“Maybe you need Dr. Phil.”
“Maybe you need to…”
“Hold it bro. I’m just messing with you.”
Kyle put his feet on the coffee table. The candy dish was nearly empty.
“Hi Maiden. You’ve been busy.”
“Life is good.”

Worked Up (Socks CDXCIV)

Kyle’s feet were on the floor during the power play, so the boys were free to talk.
“I feel bad for Maiden.”
“Why?”
“He has a girls name. Imagine that?”
“It’s just a name.”
“Well, I say…”
“Don’t get worked up brother, it’s just a name. Besides, he wasn’t even sure of his own name.”
“That’s another reason, he’s just not sure of his name.”
“Rar, you’re sweating the small stuff.”
“I know, but I can’t help it. It’s that ring. And that emerald.”
“Hold it. We don’t even know the emerald’s name. Why aren’t you worked up about that?”

03:53 (Socks CDXCIII)

“No, thanks. I’d just fall asleep.”
“Again?”
“Yea, again.”
Sophie got up, “Do you want ice cream with your apple pie?”
“Am I having pie?”
“I made it, so I think you are.”
“I think I am, too.”
“Good choice,” Dan added.
“Well?”
“Well what?”
“Ice cream?”
“Yes, please.”
“Another good choice.”
Sophie came back, giving each man a dessert. When she returned with her own plate, she sat next to Kyle on the couch.
“Does your mom watch hockey?”
“Not usually. She takes Sunday afternoons to read.”
The third period started.
The bad guys got two for goalie interference.

Three to One (Socks CDXCII)

The tale of the ring and the emerald, and their constant hostility was recounted. The brothers and Maiden were in agreement that Dr. Phil’s competence could be put to good use.
The second period ended, and Kyle got up from the couch, “Can I use your bathroom?”
He was told where to find the correct door.
As he moved down the hall toward the living room the brothers talked, “There’s a good sign.”
“Yea?”
“We didn’t get wet. This guy has good aim.”
The boys laughed.
Dan asked, “How old are you, Kyle?”
“Twenty-one. Why?”
“Would you like a beer?”

Moniker (Socks CDXCI)

“That’s your name? Maiden China?”
“I don’t know, it’s the only thing I‘ve been called.”
“Sounds like a girl’s name.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. I’m just saying…”
“Hey, look, I do a fine job of keeping the sweets handy for any and everybody.”
Rar was getting annoyed, “How hard of a job can it be? You sit around, holding candy, waiting to give handouts.”
“Brother, take it easy, that was kind of mean.”
“Yea, why do you talk to me like that? We just met.”
“My apologies sir, I think I’ve been around that ring too long.”