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 12
Francis thought the day would never come, but the opening ceremony for the entire competition arrived. 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 the last to arrive amongst the players, reporters, and high-class 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 Harry Vardon himself.
It wasn't long only lasting a few handful of seconds as she briefly locked eyes with this golfing legend, but it sent enough of a jolt through Francis that had her heart flutter a bit. This causes her mind to momentarily flash back to that day when she was merely a child at that demonstration all those years ago in Boston.
Thankfully focus is drawn away from Francis as Lord Bullock calls them all to him 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 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 acknowledgment.
Continuing, Lord Bullock said "Four rounds of gold to be played over the next two days to identify 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 player's ring. This may be the American's 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 Club's 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 ABCs," joked John McDermott, jokingly. Small laughter breaks out because the 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 every 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 it 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.
Billy is wrapping up a conversation with 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:
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.