Bradford Lad: Dad Blew My Cover
Mike Coatesworth tells of a situation which every red-blooded lad dreads being discovered in.
My younger brother and I were always close when we were children. If you saw one of us, the other wasn’t far behind. When we were very young we tried to run away together but only got as far as a nearby pub. We were wearing pyjamas at the time which was something of a give-away and ensured that we were caught and returned home very quickly.
We went to Sunday school together, we went tothe pictures together, and sometimes we fought together. Like most brothers we had our arguments which led to a fight, but we really didn't want to hurt one another, so there was no victor in these fights.
We shared what we had. I remember my brother chasing after my dad, who was riding a bike, all the way to his work, catching up with him at the works entrance to ask for pocket money. When he got some he shared it with me.
As we grew up we developed different interests. He became interested in dancing and fashion. I was happy going to the cinema and wearing casual clothes. I must admit I missed his not being at my side. We were still fairly close, but things were not as they used to be.
We both went out wih girls. My brother had several different girls on the go at the same time, whereas I was content to have one girlfriend. He became quite a ladies' man, improving his dancing and jiving. When he walked onto a dance floor the girls all wanted to be his partner.
I remember the first time that I brought a girl home. I showed her around our house. Unfortunately we were in my bedroom when my dad came home from work. I told the girl to hide under the bed covers, which she did. I did the same.
We must have made a noise because a few moments later my dad was pulling back the bed covers. He stared at ne abd thge girl. He was lost for words. He simply walked out of the room.
I told my brother what had happened. He found it hilarious. He told his friends, including some of the girls, what had happened. From then on some of the girls would give me a knowing wink.
These days my brother and I still tease each other. We have a laugh at the antics we got up towhen we were kids.
But nowadays there’s only one girl in his life.
His Mum!
*****
