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Or could it be that the friendly spook who raises a racket in the dead of night is actually - ALL SIX OF SUSIE'S OLDER BROTHERS?!
I THINK every girl in the world would like to have an older brother. If you've ever made that wish, then read my story - and you'll see what it would be like if you lived with me. You see, I have six older brothers!! If you already have an older brother and don't know how to handle him, then maybe I can help you too. I've become an expert on the subject of "big brothers"! When you're out-numbered six to one - the way I am - you have to become an expert!
By the way, I've always wanted a sister too, so you can be my "Secret 16 Sister" - and come along and let me tell you what you're in for as part of the Cowsill Clan.
First of all, get ready to be treated "like one of the boys". By that I mean, don't try to curl your hair or dress up. After all the time and trouble you spend, the fellows will gang up on you and giggle. Even if you look pretty they won't give you the satisfaction of complimenting you, so better just stick to slacks and shorts. Oh, the boys like mini-skirts - so we can get away with wearing them!
BIG BILL
You'll just love Bill. He's our biggest brother. Bill was 20 on January 9. He's a "regular kind of brother", and we get along just great. Bill takes me out sometimes too! In New York City, he took me to dinner and to a move - it was like a real date! That's one good thing about having older brothers. It prepares you for when you are old enough to date, and you certainly learn how to act around boys.
BOYFRIEND BARRY
Speaking of dating and boys, the first rule is never tell your brothers you have a crush on a boy. You'll never hear the end of it, if you do! I made the mistake of mentioning the name of a boy in my class who I thought was cute - and I'll never be able to live it down! Brothers don't miss a trick, and they know exactly what to say to embarrass you - and, boy, do they take advantage of it! Of all my brothers, I think Barry would make a wonderful boy friend for some lucky girl. He's very kind and awfully cute. I guess I'd choose Barry because he's closest to my age - except for John. But John teases me too much!
GENTLE (?) JOHN
All brother are teasers. It's a natural instinct they are born with and I've learned to live with it, but some brothers are experts at teasing little sisters - and that lead us directly to John! He's my youngest brother and turned 12 on March 2. I think John's favorite pastime is arguing with me. I use to think he didn't like me, but now I know better. He puts up a great fight, but I usually get my way and he lets me tag along with him. Also, when I don't feel well, John is the first to worry about me - so maybe he does really care (or maybe he has no one to pick on if I'm not around). Mom says John is good at hiding his real feelings and that I shouldn't be hurt. She's usually right, so I guess I'll take her word for it.
PEACEFUL BOB
Bob is very much like Bill in the way he treats me. We get along very well. I guess it has to do with their ages. After all, they're practically grown-ups. Bob is 18, two years younger that Bill. Both Bob and Bill help me with my math homework. I call them "good guys". Bob is very generous and often gives me surprises - and that's something every girl (of any age) loves to get.
"FAVES" & ADVICE
I don't really have one favorite brother. I have a different favorite each day. I just told you about Bill, Barry, John and Bob, who are the ones in the group. But, in addition to them, my brothers Dick (Bob's twin) and Paul are our road managers - and they are very dear to me too!
One thing that I've learned about older brothers is you can't really argue with them. If you try, their reply is, "You can't tell us what to do, because we're older that you." I guess it's no use! Also, never be a tattle-tale - you'll make things worse for yourself. I know. I used to run to Mom and Dad complaining 100 times a day because the boys would "pick on me", but I quickly learned that it was the wrong thing to do, because then the boys called me a "sissy" - and teased me all the more! We now keep our disagreements to ourselves. Usually, by the next morning it's forgotten anyway - and we start all over again!
I know now that teasing is all a part of affection and love. I didn't quite understand that when Mom first tried to explain it to me, but now I know it's true. After all - I tease them too - and I know I love them!
OUR FAMILY GHOST
Before I go, I'd also like you to meet Captain McCormack, our "family ghost". He lives with us in our home in Newport, R.I. I hope you're not frightened of him, cos he's a good ghost. Captain McCormack once lived in our house long ago - and I guess he liked it so much he never wanted to leave it. We don't mind him living with us, because we have plenty of room and he doesn't bother anyone - except at night. You see, he makes an awful lot of noise at night! He bangs on the pipes and jumps on the stairs - and sometimes it's difficult to sleep because of all the racket he puts up!
Or could that noise just be all my brothers?
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