Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the gender bender for Francis and any alterations to the orignal storyline plot this creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
A Woman's Game Chapter 12
Francis thought the day would never come, but the opening ceremony for the entire competition arrives. All of the competitors have arrived so there will be no more delays to the game.
As the situation has it even though Francis lives right beside the Country Club she's actually the last to arrive amongst the players, reporters, and high classed spectators alike with Mr. Hastings and Mr. Campbell both escorting her.
Being the only woman attending this gathering Francis immediately gains plenty of speculative stares the moment she first walks through that door. The expressions on those many faces range from appraising, disdainful, disapproving, leering, or simply blank as they wonder what she is doing there in a world that's not supposed to be her own. For sure many of them have probably heard by now of the first and only female to ever participate in golf at the United States Open Championship or anywhere in the world.
Francis already suspected this might occur thanks to a heads up from her teachers so she doesn't falter. Instead she meets all their stares head on.
Including with Harry Vardon himself.
It wasn't long only lasting a few handful of seconds as she briefly locks eyes with this golfing legend, but it sends enough of jolt through Francis that has her heart flutter a bit. This causes her mind to momentarily flashback to that day when she was merely a child at that demonstration all those years go in Boston.
Thankfully focus is drawn away from Francis as Lord Bullock calls them all to him in order to make a speech.
"Steady on. Keep your chin up, Francis," murmured Mr. Hastings, lending support in not losing her nerve, lightly squeezing her shoulder in reassurance.
"Gentleman and Lady, I want to welcome you all to professionals and amateurs alike, to the 18th United States Open Championship," said Lord Bullock, saluting all from far and wide who have made the journey.
Francis joins in the gentle applause in acknowledgement.
Continuing, Lord Bullock said "Four rounds of gold to be played over the next two days to identity the best player in the world. Let's give a special welcome to the British Amateur Champion, Mr. Wilfred Reid and our famous professional visitors, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray." Even more massive and louder applause sprang out for the top favorites in the players ring. This may be the Americans home turf advantage, but these contenders are the top favorites. That's not to be ignored. "Now I shall yield the floor to our defending champion, a professional from Philadelphia, John McDermott."
John McDermott.
As a caddie Francis occasionally saw John McDermott play on the Country Clubs own course whenever he was in town, but never had a chance to interact with him. That would've been heavily frowned upon given their stations on that soil.
Francis watches on in open admiration as John McDermott now takes control of the platform.
"If you read the papers you know there's a lot of talk about the great English champions sailing over here to play in our Open. As the only born American to ever win this cup, I'd like to say to you boys, welcome. We're happy to have you," said John McDermott, courteously.
"Hear, hear," is the echo that went around the room in agreement.
"We all know Harry Vardon was winning Opens back when most of us were still learning out ABC's," joked John McDermott, jokingly. Small laughter breaks out because reality is that it's true in some cases. "He's a genius in the history of our game. Mr. Vardon, I know you won this baby once before. I see your name here. It's a long time ago, by the look of it. Well we hope you boys have a nice time here in Boston. But personally, I don't think you will. I don't care if you whupped everyone single one of us in the last six weeks. I'm sick and tired of people saying all you have to do to win is show up! This time you're not taking our damn cup back!"
Okay that's done with the pleasantries.
Jon McDermott then storms off the stage with his team following behind. Unlike Francis is appears like not everyone is pleased with the turnout.
After the meeting is over Francis scours the area to talk things over with her caddie Billy to try and concoct a foolproof strategy against these guys. Eventually she locates him and doesn't like what she sees him doing.
Apparently Billy is wrapping up a conversation to Wilfred Reid, the two shaking hands and the latter walking off.
Clapping her caddie and friend on the shoulder, trying not to act worried, Francis said "Billy. So I'll see you first thing tomorrow morning bright and early?"
Guiltily, Billy admits "I can't."
"What do you mean you can't? Why not," pressed Francis.
Nodding in Wilfred Reid's direction, Billy explained "This English fella offered me 20 bucks, 50 if he wins."
Shaking her head in resignation, Francis said "I can't give you anything like that."
"I'm sorry, Francis. I've got two kids at him," said Billy, remorseful.
"No need to defend your actions, Billy. I understand. You have to provide for your family," said Francis, understandably.
"I'm really sorry," repeated Billy, leaving with his tail between his legs.
There's no need for him to be afraid of her. Francis knows his betrayal isn't intentional. He has to think of his family first and foremost.
Be that as it may, so much for good sportsmanship to the very end.
What the hell is she going to do without a caddie?
Authors Note:
Merry Christmas! Here is you present this holiday!
Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
I've been meaning to get back to this one for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. I'm very satisfied and happy about it.
I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, A Revolutionary Romance, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8th Loser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D
By the way Rorschach's Legend and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender are the newest additions to my profile. If you're a fan of Watchmen and the new series on HBO coming up soon then I recommend that you check it out. Since it was just recently uploaded I really would enjoy hearing other peoples thoughts on the subject matter so far. So feel free to do so if you have the time.
I have other grand news! I was a patron at New York Comic Con! Ah! I'd been dying to go for years and now I had the opportunity. The Jokers from Impractical Jokers have been here along with Tom Hiddleston and so many others. Over those few days I actually got my picture taken with a couple of other actors/actresses and some really great panels. It really is so exciting there. This is an opportunity of a lifetime so there's no way in hell that I was going to waste a single second of it. No one ever should with something like this. Ever! ;D
For future preferences I highly recommend that you all keep an eye out for when tickets for New York Comic Con are available for purchase again for next year. This is a huge event and you should jump on it whenever you have the chance.