Disclaimer: I own nothing except the gender bender change to Francis and the alterations in the storyline plot this provides to various readers amusement everywhere.
A Woman's Game Chapter 10
Francis is now a lovely and well established year old in Boston with the U.S. Open now rapidly approaching over the horizon. With each day that passes the Boston community is getting more and more excited with some many people coming from all over the globe both to either compete in this grand game or watch for their own gains and vantage points.
Francis is one of the latter. Honest as can be Francis thoughts never once went towards even considering competing in the U.S. Open. It's so far from her mind.
So Francis ultimately receives a major surprise when she received an unexpected yet welcome pair of visitors while she was currently working at the sporting goods store in the middle of Boston as she stocks the shelves with merchandise. Actually she was dusting afterwards, but that's really the thing that's important.
The significant part is what these people have come in to deliver in a message.
The bell rang at the main entrance announcing the admittance of a brand new customer for the day.
"There she is. Francis," said Mr. Hastings.
Upon hearing his voice Francis turns slightly on the stool she's standing on in order to reach the shelves so that she can aim a welcoming smile at him. Francis then pauses frowning as she spots the elderly gentleman meandering beside him. She doesn't recognize the man.
Waving her down, an eager expression domination his facial features that rouses her curiosity, Mr. Hastings said "Francis! Come here! I'd like you to meet Robert Watson, President of the United States Golf Association."
Francis carefully climbs down the ladder stool she was using to work so that she can properly greet Mr. Watson.
Holding out an inviting hand to shake, Mr. Watson said "Francis, pleasure."
Returning the gesture accordingly in response to this, Francis said "Well, the pleasure's mine, Sir." She immediately assumes that Mr. Hastings and Mr. Watson have come here to purchase some new golfing equipment so Francis jumps right into business. "Yes, well, let me have a salesman show you our equipment. It's the best selection in Boston."
Grinning in obvious amusement, correcting her assumptions, Mr. Hastings said "He's not here to buy clubs, Lass."
"I hear you live Brookline, not far from the country club," inquired Mr. Watson, kindly.
"Right across the street," informs Mr. Hastings.
"And Mr. Hastings tells me that you played a good game in the 1912 National Amateurs Championship not too long ago, am I correct," said Mr. Watson.
Nodding, shrugging it off as if the accomplishment was nothing when instead she's brimming with pride inside, Francis said "I did all right. I came in 8th place so I'd say I did pretty well."
"That's quite a victory for you, Young Lady. Being the first woman to compete in a competition of that standing. Your family must've been very proud of you," said Mr. Watson.
Mr. Hastings and Francis exchange a brief look. While it's true the majority of her family is proud of her, Mary Ouimet even still bragging about Francis to a few of their family friends, her father remains on the outs with her about that. Even after all her hard work he still refuses to acknowledge her talent or how good it is for her, believing it to be a waste of time.
Not wanting to show any signs of weakness, Francis said "Yes, they are. Now may I ask what brings you here today if you're not here to acquire clubs?"
"We're holding our Open Championship there in two weeks. Your name came up," said Mr. Hastings.
Caught somewhat off guard, Francis said "My name, Sir? I don't see why it would."
"On the contrary I'm looking to add a local amateur to the field. After what Mr. Hastings has told me about you we've come into agreement that you should be the one chosen for this role," said Mr. Watson.
Not thinking she heard then right, Francis said "Excuse me?"
"Harry Vardon's playing. And Ted Ray," said Mr. Hastings, excitedly.
Francis instantly perks up after hearing Harry Vardon's name. It's been years, but the memory where Francis first met the living legend remains fresh on her mind. She remembers how it felt that day when she swung the club exactly as he taught her the first time. He set her on the path to where Francis is today. She's so grateful to him for that. Maybe, just maybe, this could possibly be her chance to see him again to properly thank him for that.
But…
"Mr. Watson, thank you, but I don't know if I can accept," said Francis, contrite.
"Why ever now," said Mr. Watson.
"Well, Sir, I'm a woman and no woman has ever played let alone even dared to enter the U.S. Open. All do respect to your position, Mr. Watson, despite the other times I've competed aside, no one will accept me as a competitor. I fear the damage to both your reputations should you enter me," voices Francis.
"Oh there's no need for you to worry about that, Francis," reassures Mr. Hastings, gently.
"Your reasons are very noble, but unnecessary," said Mr. Watson. "I've seen your qualifications and while the issue your gender does represent a problem you do have the background and skills for the U.S. Open. People may object, but with my position no one will be able to dispute. At least not this time while I have the seat."
"So, Francis, what do you say," pressed Mr. Hastings.
Well following all that there's only one thing Francis can say.
"When do I start," said Francis, smiling toothily.
Authors Note:
Wishing you all had a Happy 4th of July as I did.
Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
I'm glad to have finally gotten back to this after such a long absence compared to some others on my profile. I've been meaning to for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. Still in the beginning stages, but I'm very satisfied and happy about it.
Heads up everyone. Article 13 is rearing its ugly head again. So those of you who can find a legitimate petition and sign it so we can help prevent Article 13 from passing.
I recently put up a new story called Fish Out Of Water. It's a crossover between the movie Shape of Water and the show Siren. So far I have everything figured out except one little thing. A name for my OC. Basically, since my OC character is in fact a mermaid I want the name to be in reference to the oceans or any other body of water similar to lakes or rivers. I'm more than open to suggestions so like I usually do in situations like this I'm turning it into a contest. The reader who gives me the winning name gets a question answered about the plot of the changed storyline in question. So think long and hard guys on the name and the type of question you'd like me to answer. Because you only get the one until the next opportunity arises for the taking. ;D