My fathers choice

The First Swing

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"Good morning, Daddy,"

Ashley greeted, her voice sounded so warm and happy as she approached her father, Senator Robert Kensington, who was carefully inspecting his golf cart.

"Morning, sweetheart," Senator Kensington replied, the brightness in his eyes as he glanced up from his task. "Ready for another round?"

Ashley nodded in excitement . "Absolutely! I've been looking forward to it all week."

Her father smiled, a sense of pride in his expression. "That's my girl. Remember, Ashley, keep your eye on the ball and follow through with your swing. You've got what it takes to be the best out here."

Ashley's heart was filled with gratitude at her father's encouragement. Despite the weight of his expectations, she knew that his guidance always came from a place of love and belief in her potential.

"I'll do my best, Dad," Ashley replied, with determination as she gripped her golf club tightly.

With her father's words ringing through in her mind, Ashley stepped onto the grass, her focus sharpening as she prepared for her first swing of the day. As she lined up her shot, her thoughts went to her best friend, Lizbeth.

"Lizbeth's going to be joining us later, right?" Ashley asked, looking back at her father.

Senator Kensington nodded. "Yes, she wouldn't miss it for the world. It's been what, nine years since you two started coming here together?"

Ashley smiled, a rush of fond memories flooding her mind. "Yeah, nine years of friendship and countless rounds of golf. I don't know what I'd do without her."

Her father chuckled, a hint of affection in his voice. "Well, I'm sure glad you two found each other. Lizbeth's like family to us."

Ashley took a deep breath and swung her club, the sound of the ball echoing through the air, thankfulness filling her heart. She realized that no matter what obstacles were in her way, she had her father's everlasting support and Lizbeth's loyal friendship to get her through them as she watched it soar across the green.

Ashley absentmindedly tapped her golf club against the grass, her attention only half on the conversation with Lizbeth. Her mind wandered, her thoughts drifting to anything but the upcoming family dinner.

"Yeah, I guess," Ashley mumbled in response to Lizbeth's question about the dinner. "I mean, it's just another one of those formal affairs my parents drag us to."

Lizbeth raised an eyebrow, sensing Ashley's lack of enthusiasm. "But didn't your mom mention something about an announcement? That sounds pretty important."

Ashley shrugged, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Eh, who knows? Probably just another boring speech about politics or something. I'm more interested in getting through this round of golf."

As they strolled along the fairway, the conversation shifted to what to wear for the dinner. Lizbeth eagerly pulled out a variety of dresses from Ashley's closet, each one more extravagant than the last.

"What about this one?" Lizbeth held up a shimmering gown adorned with sequins and lace.

Ashley wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Too flashy. I just want to blend in, you know? I don't want to draw any more attention to myself than necessary."

Lizbeth sighed, setting the dress aside. "You're impossible, Ashley. How about this one then?"

But Ashley barely spared the dress a glance, her mind already drifting back to the golf course. "Sure, whatever. Just pick something that won't make me stand out too much."

As they continued their search, Ashley couldn't shake off the feeling of detachment. Deep down, she longed for nothing more than to be a normal girl, free from the imprisonment of her family's wealth and status. But for now, she brought herself to the reality of another evening spent in the spotlight, counting down the minutes until she could escape back to the familiarity of her normal self.

As they strolled along the fairway, the conversation shifted to what to wear for the dinner. Lizbeth eagerly pulled out a variety of dresses from Ashley's closet, each one more extravagant than the last.

"What about this one?" Lizbeth held up a shimmering gown adorned with sequins and lace.

Ashley squeezed her nose in distaste. "Too flashy. I just want to blend in, you know? I don't want to draw any more attention to myself than necessary."

Lizbeth sighed, setting the dress aside. She couldn't help but feel a wave of envy as she looked around Ashley's room, taking in the luxurious surroundings. The polished hardwood floors, the expansive windows that offered a unique view of the city skyline, the designer clothes neatly arranged in the walk-in closet, it was like something out of a dream.

"You're impossible, Ashley," Lizbeth muttered under her breath. How she wished she could have just a fraction of what her best friend had. The big fancy rooms, the cool vacations to exotic destinations, the effortless grace with which Ashley moved through the world – it was all so out of reach.

But instead of dwelling on her own shortcomings, Lizbeth forced a smile and held up another dress for Ashley's consideration. "How about this one then?"

But Ashley barely looked at the dress, her mind was already back to the golf course. "Sure, whatever. Just pick something that won't make me stand out too much."

As they continued their search, Lizbeth couldn't shake off the feeling of longing that grew from her insides. She envied Ashley's life of privilege, and the endless opportunities that lay at her feet. But deep down, she knew that no amount of wealth or status could ever fill the void in her own life. For Lizbeth, the only thing she truly wished for was to be more like her best friend, not for the material possessions, but for the sense of belonging and security that Ashley seemed to possess effortlessly.

Lizbeth hesitated as she held up a navy blue gown, admiring its elegant simplicity. "What about this one, Ashley? It's classy, but not too over-the-top."

Ashley glanced at the dress, a dress finally caught her interest for the first time. The rich h fabric caught her eye, and she ran her fingers over the delicate beading along the neckline. "Hmm, I suppose that could work. It's not bad."

Lizbeth gave a huge sigh, relieved that Ashley finally approved a dress. "Great! I'll help you get ready tonight. We'll make sure you look fabulous, as always."

Ashley felt a sense of gratitude for Lizbeth's friendship. Despite their differences in background, Lizbeth had always been there for her, offering support and understanding when she needed it most.

"Thanks, Liz," Ashley said, her voice soft with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."