Sherlock: The Next Generation

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Molly skipped in front of Hamish and Martin as they walked into the school playground. Sherlock and John walked side by side, watching their three children proudly. Though they were working on a very important case at the moment they had taken some time off to escort their three children to school. For Martin and Hamish’s first day in primary five and Molly’s first day ever. Their little girl was growing up. Well and truly growing up.

“Watch your little sister,” John told Martin and Hamish once they reached the entrance to the school. All the children were already beginning to queue in lines. Molly was there earlier than most of those in her year, considering it was their first day and they all came in earlier. But the school had said that that was fine and she should just go to the classroom.

“Ok, Papa!” Hamish grinned.

“Have a good day,” John smiled, hugging both boys. Sherlock ruffled their hair before headed off with John to take Molly to her classroom.

Hamish and Martin headed over to where their class was queueing. Hamish headed over to Mortimer and Martin shyly approached Karina.

“Is it still ok for me to come round to yours after school?” Martin asked quietly.

“Of course!” Karina grinned. “Did you bring your ballet stuff? So we can practice together for the dance show?” Martin nodded with a smile. They were both in the same ballet grade, that being grade 4. Martin had been in the class for a term longer as Karina had just moved up. He was also going to be in two other dances for the show coming up in December. A grade 4 tap dance and a grade 4 modern dance. And he would soon be doing his grade 4 tap exam! He couldn’t wait.

“Yeh, I brought it,” Martin replied. He shifted the oboe case that he had slung around his shoulder so that it was in a more comfortable position. His dad had decided that he should play at least one more instrument, either woodwind or brass. It had taken Martin a while to decide between the flute and the oboe but eventually he had gone with the latter. He was sure that the flute was a lovely interesting but the oboe was more interesting. In Martin’s opinion. It had a double reed and Martin was curious as to how that would work. He had got the oboe for his ninth birthday and took lessons out with school due to the fact that nobody seemed to teach oboe to primary school kids in school. He loved them. The instrument was just so different from the violin and piano. Violin was still his favourite but the oboe… He really did like the oboe. And singing. He liked singing also. His music teacher had recommended to his Papa and Dad that Martin get singing lessons. So as it was Martin had next to no free time. What with playing three instruments, singing and all his dancing. Not to mention the art he did.

“Great!” Karina chirped just as the bell rang. She moved to stand with her friends and Martin moved so he was beside Martin and Mortimer, who were in the middle of a science based discussion. It was going to be a long day.

Molly neatly wrote her name on a piece of card folded over. She had politely told her teacher, Mrs Jones, that she could write her own name card when the teacher had came around handed out pieces of card with the names printed onto them. Her teacher had been rather surprised at this but had given Molly a neat piece of card to work with.

John had told Molly that most of the other children wouldn't be able to read or write yet. She understood that. But that shouldn't mean that she didn't get to write or read. Because that would just be unfair. Hamish had told her that she would get to do harder work because she was smart. He had also told her that school was boring, though, and Molly didn't believe him. School would be fun. Really fun. She'd make loads of friends, learn new stuff and play sports.

She'd already made new friends. She was sitting at a six person table with five other girls. She sat beside Carmen, who had also come to this school. Daisy and Grace hadn't though... But she had four new friends! They were called Verity, Rosie, Ailsa and Eilidh. They were all very nice. She also knew that there was loads of sports that could be played. Papa had said so.

Of the Watson-Holmes children Molly was the only one who showed any interest in sports. Much to Papa's delight. He sometimes took her to a nearby park so that they could play football. Benny played with them as well. Though he wasn't so good. At five Molly was no amazing football player but she was quite a bit better than four (and a half) year old Benjamin. She enjoyed it thoroughly. She was definitely the child that was half Sherlock, half John.

Molly's first day of school went by swiftly. She was grinning from ear to ear as she left the classroom with the horde of children in her class and headed out into the playground to be picked up. She wasn't going home, though, which upset Molly just a bit. She wanted to tell Papa and Daddy all about her amazing day but they were working on an important case so she was going to Aunt Molly's. Martin was going to Karina's and Hamish was going to Mortimer's. Molly was sure she would have fun with Benny, though. He had started school today as well but at a 'state' school. Molly didn't really understand why he couldn't have started at the same school as her. When she'd asked Papa he had just said that Aunt Molly couldn't afford to send Benny to a private school. Molly didn't really get it but she believed her Daddy. He always told the truth.

Molly shrugged slightly to herself and pushed away all those thoughts as she ran towards where Aunt Molly and Benny were standing, waiting. She would have a great time until Daddy and Papa picked her up. She just knew she would. Because Benny was her best friend.