Disclaimer: I own nothing except the current gender bender for Frances and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
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 if she didn'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 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 fail. Francis did aspire to eventually get a job in business once she got her degree in school, but she didn't want to give up something she loves as a consequence of that in this case.
Hopefully, now she can relieve some stress by having some time to relax. There was a party being held at the Country Club for the Amateurs who 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 fancy dresses that most of the women 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 of their daughter.
Afterward, 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:
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.