A Woman's Game Chapter 5
By some miracle Francis somehow managed to wrangle the fifty dollars she required to obtain from her father for the entrance fee into the Amateur Championship. Unfortunately this miracle came with a heavy price.
Arthur Ouimet had made Francis promise that in exchange for the money that if she doesn't place in the qualifier to be part of the actual competition then she would have to give up her aspects of golf forever. She'd leave that world, finish her schooling, and then work at a job to bring home an honest wage. Backed into a corner, seeing no option other than this, Francis reluctantly agreed to the deal. If she hadn't then she wouldn't have been able to have this chance in the first place.
Francis is quite confident she'd qualify for the Amateur Championship only she couldn't help but to be a bit nervous in the back of her mind. She had a hell of a lot riding on this now at the slightest chance if she should actually fail. Francis did aspire to eventually get a job in business once she gets her degree in school, but she didn't want to give up something she loves as consequence of that in this case.
Hopefully now she could relieve some stress by having some time to relax. There was a party being held at the Country Club for the Amateur's that would be showing up for the Qualifier and potentially be part of the tournament.
As the only woman competing Francis wanted to look her best for it. She didn't necessarily have any really fancy dresses that most of the woman attending the shindig would probably be wearing, but she had one that may be up to par even though it would be quite simple in comparison. Francis and her mother worked quite hard to make adjustments and additions to it so that it would look all right along with her hair. Mary Ouimet did it up so that her daughter's hair was in a bun. Her father wasn't present when Francis was getting dressed. Mary Ouimet didn't want him to ruin the mood for their daughter.
Afterwards Mary Ouimet set her right off to the Country Club with a wish of good luck. Since they lived right across from the place Francis didn't have to go far. As she walked Francis could clearly see the party was in full swing. There was plenty of music, lights, and people coming from every direction to attend.
Nearly there Francis stopped diverting her path to the shack where she knew her old boss would be. She recalled he wanted to give her something. Now is as good a time as any to see what he wished to talk to her about.
Mr. Campbell was working on some clubs when she arrived. The moment Francis did he immediately handed her a wrapped package he had off to the side. Taking the gift Francis unwrapped it stunned to find out what it was.
It's a book with the title How To Play Golf by Harry Vardon.
"It's the English edition. It's not even in print here yet," said Mr. Campbell.
"Harry Vardon," repeated Francis, grinning, making sure she heard right.
Harry Vardon is her idol. That day in Boston when she met him at that demonstration, Francis could remember it as if it were yesterday. She'd never forget it. He's the reason she's so passionate about golf today.
Tracing her fingertips over the cover, grateful, Francis said "Thank you."
"Read it, study it. You'll need a 78 to qualify. Stiffer competition. These are the best amateurs in the country," said Mr. Campbell.
Quietly, Francis said "Do you think I'm ready?"
"I don't know and neither will you until you're in it," said Mr. Campbell, wisely. "There's golf and there's championship golf."
Francis nodded in ascension.
Placing the book back onto the table, Francis said "Keep it for me. I'm going to the party."
Mr. Campbell didn't say a word, keeping the opinions he held close to the vest.
Catching the skepticism he had, Francis said "They said all the players are invited."
Still Mr. Campbell said nothing.
"What's it like in there," she inquired.
"I couldn't tell you. I'm not aloud inside," said Mr. Campbell, bluntly honest.
That's a bit of a realistic outlook he needed to deliver to her right now.
Authors Note:
Hope you guys like this one.
Happy Halloween! :D
Also, the anniversary for the terrible tragedy of day of 9/11 year's ago just occurred a little over a month ago.
I was a very young child when that happened. All I can remember that day was my mother picking me and my little sister up from grade school. At home my sister and I learned what happened in New York City. My father came home soon after fearful that we were all going to be attacked. That was one of the scariest days of my life. I know for a fact I'll never forget it. I doubt anyone will.
For those reading this right now I know we can't all be together, but I ask that you share a moment of silence and prayer, no matter your religion, out of respect for the people who died that day and those alive who are still suffering from being there that day. And those of you who may be either going to a restaurant or a bar please raise a glass in a toast for those survivors and fallen.