'Swimming' on a Sunday

We came home from church today to find our neighbour playing in her new paddling pool together with her classmate and siblings. Louisa and Lavigne were then invited to join them in the fun. Louisa promptly asked me for her swimming costume and was in their garden in no time. Lavigne was afraid to be in the pool so stood by the side to watch. After some time, the children went into my neighbour's house for some cakes. I took the opportunity to do some housework. It was strange the house was so quiet on a Sunday. But we could hear their screams and laughter from next door. Soon, they went back to the pool again and this time, Lavigne asked to change and announced that she was no longer afraid. I finished some more chores and went to the garden to chat with my neigbour and took some pictures. It was quite funny seeing 3 girls in their swimming costumes and one who is totally naked in the pool. Her mum had forgotten to pack her swimwear. That little girl's brother didn't get in the pool but played with the water pistols and was constantly squirting water at the girls. I had to play the dodge game with them in case I got too wet.

All went well until another sibling who is half a year older than Lavigne came along. She decided to go into the pool. I had an extra set of swimming costume so she didn't need to go in naked. Lavigne was playing with the water pistol when that girl wanted to have a go. Lavigne refused to give it to her. My neighbour quickly went into the house to fetch the other one and was about the give it to Lavigne so that the other child could have it when we heard a loud smack! Lavigne burst into tears. That girl had given her a tight slap on her left cheek. I didn't see it but heard it. Adrian saw the act and later told me he was shocked. The girl's father, who had just arrived not too long ago, went up to her and scolded her. He asked her to apologise to Lavigne but she had said 'NOOoooo!' So she was put in a corner. I understand how that father must have felt. I would be so embarrassed if my child had hit someone let alone that hard. After sometime, the girl was asked if she was ready to say sorry which she then replied 'No!'. The 3 siblings were going to leave and I was bringing Lavigne into the house for a shower when the little girl finally apologised. Half an hour later, there were still some red marks on Lavigne's cheek. I'm not angry with the child but was taken aback by what had happened. I'll be horrified when my child raises her hand and hit another.