A Franklin Girl's Story: Roses

By Dave Mayer

A Franklin Girl's Story: Roses is about a teen athlete by the name of Cali. This coming of age novel follows Cali as she navigates through her junior and senior years of high school. The story addresses issues that all teenagers face at some point or another -- relationshi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dave Mayer
• Release date: Jul 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798218033163

Book preview

1

Early Summer Junior Year

In my golf cart, I pulled up to the back of the clubhouse. My dad, Hank, who was my golf coach, and I had just finished a round of golf. A few beads of sweat dripped from my face. Even though it was spring, the temperatures were warm enough to make me sweat. I looked around, smiled, then sat back in my seat as I waited for the other two to arrive.

I happily tapped on the steering wheel with the palm of my right hand a couple of times and hummed to myself before I finally pulled myself from the golf cart. I did have a good round and that had a way of making me smile.

As soon as I put my left foot onto the ground my dad zoomed up next to me. Somewhat surprised, I looked at the two. They nearly ran over my foot after all.

Driving a little fast aren’t you buddy? I asked jokingly.

Of course, both of them had the biggest, dorkiest smiles on their faces.

You want to grab some lunch? asked Hank. Lunch was always the highlight of the golf outing for those two, it seemed. Don’t get me wrong I loved a good sandwich and some healthy banter, but those two, now that was a whole different story. They LIVED for the post-golf snack.

For the last year, Hank had been my golf coach. My dad used to work with me, but as I improved and competed more, my dad decided that I needed a real coach. So, Hank became my coach. At first, I didn’t like someone else coaching me because I enjoyed the time spent with my dad, but as time went on I realized my dad had made the right decision and I still got to golf with him. That didn’t change.

I was from a small town, called Franklin, in southern Illinois, so the options for a girl like me were slim. I could’ve played softball, cheered, done drugs, or done any of the above. Instead, I chose golf.

I started playing golf in the summer between 5th and 6th grade. I was hooked the first time I watched my dad and Mr. Wilson, one of our family friends, play a round of golf.

As I got older I steadily got better, but I did have my share of ups and downs. Along the way, I lost one good friend due to a heated argument. This paled compared to others I knew who prematurely lost their lives through suicide and accidents. Never mind there were those I ran into who told me I couldn't play golf or shouldn’t play golf because I was a girl.

Yeah, I had my challenges; no more than the typical teenage girl I’m sure. My love for golf was my escape and at times I needed it.

After we finished our golf outing, we went into the clubhouse for lunch. The two old farts led the way while I sauntered along at my own pace. Our lunch wasn’t going anywhere.

The clubhouse was fairly quiet except for a few retired gents who sat in the corner individually sipping on their mugs of beer.

Eating with my dad and Hank was always fun. For starters, Hank always had a fun story to share, but what was especially fun was the post-lunch/dinner tug of war. My dad and Hank always or almost always fought over who was going to pay the bill. It was like clockwork. Sometimes Hank or my dad got sneaky and preemptively told the server they wanted the bill, which took all of the fun out of watching them fight over it.

So Cali, what are you doing in two weeks? my dad asked.

I had spent enough time with my dad to know he already knew what I was doing. I just didn’t know it yet.

You’ve been invited to the Chicago Open. We figured you’d want to go, so we signed you up.

I was slightly irritated; he didn't ask first, so I didn’t immediately respond. Who was I fooling? I didn’t have anything going on that summer outside of golf and spending time with the few friends I had.

Brandy was my best friend. She was also my cousin. Even though we lived in the same town and were only one year apart in school, we were never very close until I reached high school. My dad and his sister weren’t very close either, which may have contributed to Brandy and me not hanging out when we were younger.

After eating, my dad paid for lunch, and we left for home.

We eventually made it to our respective vehicles.

So, I’ll see you on Tuesday? Right? Hank asked.

Yep, I replied nonchalantly.

My dad put his right arm around my shoulders.

Good match Hank, we’ll see you Tuesday.

My dad looked at me and smiled. Well, we better get home or Mom will be wondering where we are.

2

Early Summer Junior Year

It had been a few weeks since school had ended. I still couldn't believe I was going to be a junior. Time had a way of flying by. When I look back I wish I would’ve sat back and smelled the roses, but I was in such a hurry to grow up.

Since school was now out until mid-August I could fully concentrate on golf. The weeks leading up to my next tournament went by fast. The Sunday and Wednesday before the tournament my dad and I went to the driving range to work on my swing and to putt while on that Tuesday I met up with Hank.

Yep, I was at the driving range a lot! But that’s only because I wanted to get better. I was always told nothing came easy in life. My greatest satisfaction came when I could see huge improvements. My ball started traveling distances I had never come close to before which made all of the work seem worthwhile.

We were out of school, so my dad and I were able to pack up the truck before Hank arrived at our house.

Brandy walked up the driveway as I waited patiently for Dad and Hank.

Hey Brandy, what brings you here?

Well, I just wanted to wish my favorite cousin good luck.

I smiled. You seem happy?

Brandy looked away for a moment, paused, then looked at me.

Oh, I’m thrilled. She paused again. Jeremy is going with me to visit Central Illinois University next week.

Tears appeared in her eyes. I figured they must have been out of joy. I didn’t ask.

Jeremy, huh? I responded teasingly. Well, that’s awesome!

The previous spring Jeremy had lost his girlfriend, Jamie, by suicide while Brandy’s boyfriend died from a line-drive to the head while playing baseball. Brandy and Jeremy were close friends before the untimely deaths of their significant others, so it made sense they were together.

Dad! I yelled towards the house, Hank’s here!

My mom peeked out the front door.

Tell Hank your dad will be down shortly.

Brandy stood patiently next to me as I yelled back and forth between my parents and Hank. I turned towards Hank, winking at Brandy first.

Hank, my dad will be out shortly.

Hank didn’t respond, so I raised my voice.

Hank, he’ll be out shortly.

He gave me a thumbs up. Humored, I focused on Brandy again.

Sorry about that, Sweetie. We’re getting ready to go up north towards Chicago.

Yeah, I remember you mentioning something about that. That’s exciting! You’re going to have to tell me how you do. She touched my arm and smiled. Well, I just wanted to stop by before you left. We need to get together after your trip.

Gladly - here give me a hug, I whispered.

Brandy turned and walked down the driveway with a happy bounce in her step. Her long hair bobbed behind her. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought she was practicing for a fashion show.

My dad came out of the house as Brandy turned the corner of my driveway.

Are you ready to go kids?

I looked at Hank, who had made his way towards our pickup, and then I looked at my dad.

Yep, let’s do this.

After last Fall’s win in Nashville, I was ready to take on another batch of girls, especially after this past Spring’s more than disappointing high school season. Not only did our golf team struggle in regionals, but I played like crap. Yeah, I was ready to put my sophomore year behind me.

Hank looked at me.

Do you want to sit in the front seat?

As much as I wanted to sit in the front seat I shook my head and motioned with my hand for him to sit up front instead. My parents always taught me adults sat in the front, so I begrudgingly passed on Hank’s offer.

3

Early Summer Junior Year

The ride was quite boring as we zoomed up Interstate 55 towards Chicago. The endless amount of com and soybean fields made for a long monotonous ride. Not only were there an endless amount of fields, but I couldn’t get over how flat it was! Good God it was flat! Thankfully, I had my music and a phone to distract me.

Around noon we stopped in Champaign for lunch which was pretty cool. Champaign was the home of Central Illinois University.

Look Cali, my dad exclaimed pointing to his left. That’s the stadium?

I looked to my left and smiled. Though I had no interest in going to CIU it was still pretty cool to see the football stadium in the distance.

Look, those must be the dorms, I added. It was awesome to see those four large buildings tower over the rest of the region. Yep, I could see why Brandy was interested in going here. It just wasn’t for me.

Brandy always wanted to attend the university. It was a pretty good school. As for me? Even though college was a few years away I had no desire to go there. I wanted to go south or west where it was warmer, so I could play golf year-round. Living in central Illinois didn’t excite me at all, but who was I to rain on Brandy’s parade.

As much as we would’ve liked to have stopped for lunch at one of the cool little restaurants in the town of Champaign we just didn’t have the time, so we stopped for a burger just off the interstate. The place was not far from the gas station where we filled our car up with gas. It was named Frankies’ Burgers or something like that. From the outside, it looked like a gang of motorcyclists ran the place. I say that because there was just one other car parked and about seven motorcycles. When we walked in it was something like out of a movie. Off in the corner, there was a pool table with a jukebox next to it that was blaring The Gambler. An old country hit I was told by Hank later.

An older lady walked up to us and smiled. Hey, guys. Just seat yourself and I’ll be with you.

My dad looked at Hank and me. Do you guys have a preference?

Can we sit over there by the jukebox? I was enamored with the jukebox.

Sure Cali, lead the way, my dad replied motioning with his hand for me to take the lead.

Well, this place has character, my dad added after we plopped down in the booth.

Hank chuckled. Character? Is that what we’re calling it now?

I couldn’t help but laugh.

For a crusty-looking place, they sure made the best hamburgers. I don’t think we talked one bit the whole time we ate. They were AMAZING.

After wolfing down our burgers we hit the road again. Of course, the two old fogies battled it out for the bill. My dad won.

As we neared Chicago, the traffic increasingly picked up. From time to time, my dad swore in frustration which made me giggle. He rarely swore, so it was my guess the traffic was getting to him. I watched as he dealt with the city traffic. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought he was a race car driver on the NASCAR circuit.

The tournament was called the Chicago Open, but it took place in the town of Naperville which was located straight west of Chicago. If my dad had told me we were going to Naperville I would’ve looked at him as if he had three eyes.

Dad, Dad! I yelled excitedly.

He frantically looked back at me.

What?!

Can we go there tonight? I bellowed as I pointed toward Franco’s Chicago Style Pizzeria which caught my eye. Just the thought of eating pizza excited me so when I noticed the word Pizzeria, I had to eat there. The sign wasn’t anything fancy nor was the appearance of the restaurant. I just loved the pizza!

Sure.

Hank chimed in. "You can never go