Disclaimer: I own nothing except the current gender bender for Frances and any alterations to the original storyline plot this creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
A Woman's Game Chapter 10
Francis is now a lovely and well-embellished 20-year-old in Boston with the annual U.S. Open rapidly approaching over the horizon. With each day that passes the Boston community is getting more and more excited with so many people coming from all over the globe, both to either compete in this grand game or watch for their gain and admiration.
Francis is one of the latter. Honest as can be Francis's thoughts never once went toward even considering competing in the U.S. Open. It's so far from her mind.
So Francis ultimately receives a major surprise when she receives an unexpected yet welcome pair of visitors as she is currently working at the sporting goods store in the middle of Boston as she stocks the shelves with merchandise.
The important significant part is that these people have come in to deliver a message.
The bell rings at the main entrance, announcing the admittance of a brand-new customer for the day.
"There she is. Francis" called 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, freezing as she spots the elderly gentleman meandering beside him. She doesn't exactly recognize the man.
Waving her down, an eager expression dominating his facial features that raises 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. Watsan.
Holding an inviting hand out to shake, Mr. Watson said "Frances, a pleasure."
"The pleasure is mine, Sir," said Frances, smiling. Right away she immediately assumed that Mr. Hastings and Mr. Watson had come here to purchase some new golfing equipment, so Frances 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 in 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, Frances said "I did alright. 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 caliber. Your family must've been very proud of you," said Mr. Watson.
Mr. Hastings and Frances exchange a brief look. While it's true the majority of her family is proud of her, Mary Ouimet is 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 the good praise for her, believing it to be a waste of time.
Not wanting to show any sign of weakness, Frances said "Yes, they are. Now may I ask what brings you here today if you've not come to acquire clubs?"
"We're holding our Open Championship there in two weeks. Your name came up," said Mr. Hastings.
Caught somewhat off guard, Frances 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 agreed that you should be the one chosen for this role," said Mr. Watson.
Not thinking she heard them right, Frances said "Excuse me?"
"Harry Vardon's playing. And Ted Ray," said Mr. Hastings, excitedly.
Francis instantly perked up after hearing Harry Vardon's name. It's been years, but the memory of where Frances 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 Frances is today. She's so grateful to him for that. Maybe, just maybe, this could 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 Frances, contrite.
"Why ever not," said Mr. Watson, puzzled.
"Well, Sir, I'm a woman and no woman has ever played, let alone even dared, to enter the U.S. Open. With all due 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," voiced Frances.
"Oh, there's no need for you to worry about that, Frances," reassured Mr. Hastings, gently.
"Your reasons are very noble, but unnecessary," said Mr. Watson. "I've seen your qualifications and while the issue regarding 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, Frances, what do you say," pressed Mr. Hastings.
While following all that there's only one thing Frances can say.
"When do I start," said Frances, smiling broadly.
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.