A Woman's Game Chapter 16

The Open is in full swing.

For Francis, things started a bit shaky at first. Her rattling nerves end up getting the better of her at the beginning of the first hole. But slowly and surely Francis is steadily getting into the rhythm of things while competing amongst these living legends of the sport.

Surprisingly this is largely in thanks to Eddie. Much to her amusement and delight Eddie in truth is actually a huge help after all just as he promised. He's a great tremendous source of advice and constant encouragement in making sure she remains calm and relaxed. Eddie wasn't kidding when he told her he knew a lot about golf by paying attention. His knowledge is already so vast for a boy his age and is proving quite useful on her end.

As the day goes on in the first leg Francis makes her way from 26th to 5th position on the board.

Then when round 2 comes along things get very interesting with a certain spectator Francis wasn't expecting to see and neither was Eddie.

Eddie spots him first.

Pointing him out in the distance, Eddie asked "Hey, Francis, who's that big, fat guy?"

Squinting her eyes in the sun's glare in order to see more clearly, in astonishment, Francis gasped "Oh my gosh. It's President Taft."

"Get out! President Taft! The United States President Taft," exclaimed Eddie, excitedly. "You ever seen a president before?"

Shaking her head, grinning broadly, Francis said "First one."

Outright beaming and waving his hand broadly at the man, Eddie said "Hey! How are you doing there, Mr. President?"

As a result, the crowd erupts in laughter as President Taft smiles and politely waves back at them.

Out of nowhere Francis's work colleagues from the shop arrive to speak to her.

Frank said "Francis! Did you just birdie your last hole?"

"I guess I did, Frank," said Francis, shrugging.

"Holy smokes, Francis, you're tied with Varden. You're in second place," breathed Frank, in ecstatic disbelief.

Snapping her head toward him, eyes wide at this information because she hadn't been keeping track since that was Eddie's job, Francis said "I am?"

"President Taft is talking about you. President Taft! Isn't incredible," said Frank.

But Francis is having a difficult time hearing him, still processing the fact she's tied with Harry Varden of all people. Her anxiety spikes highly with this new amount of pressure stacking up on her.

Realizing this guy's incessant chatter has shifted Francis off her stride Eddie shoves Frank away before he has the opportunity to do any more damage, however unintentional.

"Ok, we're working here, buddy," said Eddie, taking Francis's wrist and tugging her away. "Don't listen to him, Francis. We play our game, let those guys worry about theirs."

At the starting point for the following hole, Francis makes the mistake of briefly glancing back at President Taft before she takes the swing.

Much to her disappointment and that of many spectators lingering in the crowd Francis ends up fumbling with the ball being launched into a nearby clutch of trees.

So much for trying with Harry Varden for 2nd place.

By hole 14 in the 2nd round, Francis has yet to regain her confidence back.

Fortunately for her Eddie is present to provide her with to right push she happens to need the most.

Noticing her trembling hands, calmly, Eddie said "We've got to settle down now, Francis.

"Oh yeah? How are we going to do that," said Francis, quietly.

"You're just going to have to play better. Keep your head down," reminds Eddie, bluntly.

Always can count on Eddie to say the right thing. You know what? It works, too.

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.