Hiatus

It was the girls last month at playgroup before they started Kindergarten so they didn't want to miss out.

Rosie took them in the first morning after the incident where they were met by the new playgroup manager, Deanna Davis.

"Holly, I heard about what happened and I'm dreadfully sorry," Davis said.

"Thank you Miss Davis," said Holly politely.

"The boys are outside playing baseball and the girls are…" Davis saw Matt's eyes light up as she dashed towards the door.

"I'll referee," Holly said.

Davis had only been there for five months but she'd already understood that Matt preferred soccer and baseball than playing with Barbie's and Holly was a great referee.

NCIS

Outside, Matt was arguing with Steven Wheeler.

"You can't play, you're a girl," he protested.

"Bet I could hit harder than you," Matt pointed out. She snatched the baseball bat from his hand and walked over to the post. The pitcher, Darren Blake, son to another NCIS agent, threw the ball in an effort to get her out. She swung the bat and the ball spun across the field, only a foot off the ground but fast enough that none of the boys could catch it.

"Beginners luck," snorted Wheeler. Matt spun around and hit him hard on the nose. "Okay you can play! Don't hurt me!"

The five year old girl laughed at him as the boys split into teams. Both Deanna and Holly had seen this but while it was against the rules, Deanna did not want to have to phone his father and tell him what had happened.

"Holly! Come over here!" it was another girl from their class who sat in the mini bleachers braiding a doll's hair.

Tabatha White was the daughter of Daniel White, a Hollywood film director. She had long brown hair with neon pink highlights which made her look gangster even though she had been going for Barbie.

"Hi Tabby," said Holly brightly, sitting down next to her.

"This is my doll Selena," Tabby said. "My daddy got her from Hollywood."

"I didn't bring my dolls, they're at my daddy's house," Holly lowered her head.

"Where's your daddy?" Tabby asked, oblivious to how sensitive a question it was.

"He's in hospital! He might die!" wailed Holly.

"Do you want to borrow my dolly?" Tabby asked. She looked back to the game and saw that it was Wheeler's turn to bat.

Darren bowled and Wheeler hit the ball as hard as he could. It flew across the ballpark into Matt's glove.

"You suck at baseball Steve!" teased Matt, holding the ball in the air tauntingly. Steven looked disappointed as the teams swapped over.

The youngsters had decided on a game of baseball that lasted all day and at lunchtime, Miss Davis brought out a trolley of sandwiches.

Tabby and Holly sat in the bleachers, Tabby was now playing with her doll's hair while talking to Holly.

"What about your mommy?" asked Tabby.

"She died when I was a baby," replied Holly. "I don't remember her but I've seen photos of her. I remember Grandpa Charlie but he died too. My daddy doesn't have any family so I'd have to go to a child's home."

NCIS

Across the street, Joyce Cross watched them. She had found out that they were going on a trip to the park the next day. That's where she planned to make her move. On the inside she felt pity but she had a job to do and that came first.

Of my whole Holly series so far. Matt is defiantly my favourite character, she is based largely around my little sister who was hitting balls across fields and punching boys on the nose from that age as well.

Up next: Cross makes her move at Rock Creek Park, but what will happen?