Barkley's Lie

Note: I've always made up stories for my kids, but this is the first that I've ever put to paper. I'm currently in school for children's writing, and this was my first assignment. It's geared towards very young children.

Barkely's Lie

         Barkley Bear looked up from the hole he was digging and called to his brother Bobby.
         “There’s no treasure here, what about under Mamma’s flowers?”
         “Maybe…but mamma’ll be mad if we dig them up,” replied Bobby as he wiped sweat from his furry brow.
         “Let’s just pull the flowers up easy.”
         “OK, you start on that end, and I’ll start here,” Bobby said pointing. “I just know there’s treasure here somewhere.”

         “What on earth are you boys doing?” The filthy boys looked up and saw their mother standing on the patio, hands planted on her hips.
         “Uh-Oh, she’s got that mad look, her eyes are small and her nose is all pinched up,” Barkley whispered.

         “It’s OK Mamma; we wanted to surprise you with gold and jewels. We didn’t hurt the flowers; we pulled them out easy so we can put them back,” Bobby explained.
         “Well, that was a nice thought…but you can’t put them back. We’ll try to replant them, and you can help buy more with your birthday money. Go in and take baths; Mrs. O’Hare is coming to visit.”
         “Great! Mrs. O’Hara always brings us cakes and sweetbreads.” Barkley jumped up and down, already tasting her sweet desserts.

         The boys played their favorite bath time game “deep sea diving”, until a quack interrupted them.
         “Hi Capper,” Barkley said to the duck as it flew in the open window.
         “I came to show you my new blue cap,” Capper said strutting along the edge of the bathtub to show off the newest hat in his collection.
         “Neat, can I try it on?” Barkley asked.
         “I don’t think so, you’re all wet. And your head’s too big anyway.”
         “That wasn’t nice.” Barkley said, hurt.
         “Well it’s true; your head is too fat for my little hat.”

         Barkley waved his paw through the water, and sloshed a wave over Capper. Angry quacks filled the bathroom as both boys splashed soapy water on the rude duck.
         Mamma Bear rushed into the room, almost slipping in the puddles. “Look at this mess!” she cried.
         “It’s Capper’s fault; he started it,” Barkley complained.
         “Clean this mess up or there’ll be no sweets for you tonight!”
         “Mrs. Bear…I didn’t do anything, and Barkley ruined my hat.” Capper said.
         “Is that true Barkley?”
         “No Mamma, he just came in and splashed water all over.”
         “Don’t lie Barkley,” Bobby said. “Capper said something mean and we splashed him.”
         “I’m very disappointed in you Barkley, you should always tell the truth. Capper, I think you should go home now; the boys have work to do.” Mamma said as she left the bathroom.
         “Bobby you got me in trouble!”
         “I’m sorry, but I had to tell the truth.”
         “Brothers are no good; I don’t want a brother anymore!” Barkley stormed.
         Bobby started crying. “Fine, I don’t want you either,” He said and climbed out the window, with Capper following.

         Barkley cleaned the bathroom and went to apologize to his mother. He found her in the kitchen with Mrs. O’Hare drinking tea.
         "I’m sorry Mamma; I didn’t want to get in trouble again.”
         “I understand dear, but lying only makes things worse.” She hugged him then asked, “Where’s Bobby?”
         Barkley felt guilty, and told his mother about their fight.
         “Oh dear, I’ll help look for him,” Mrs. O’Hare said. Her long white ears drooped as she added, “I do hope he’s alright.”


         Barkley searched until the sun began to set. Afraid of the deepening shadows and worried for his brother, he sat on a log and started to cry. “Why did I have to be so mean? Poor Bobby, I wish I could tell him how sorry I am, I really do want him for my brother.”
         “You mean it?” A voice from a small cave asked.
         Startled, Barkley fell off the log. “Wha— Bobby?”
         “Of course silly.” Bobby said as he crawled out of the cave.
         “We looked everywhere for you!”
         “Sorry, I thought you didn’t want me so I ran away.”
         “Boy am I glad you’re OK. I was really worried. I guess Mamma was right…lies do cause more trouble.” Barkley said. “Let’s go home.”

         “Let’s have some honey-bread,” Momma said an hour later as the boys cleared the dinner dishes. At the sad look on Barkley’s face she added, “I think Barkley has learned a few things today.”
         “Yes Ma’am.” Barkley replied softly.
         “Mrs. O’Hare, why don’t you cut a slice for Barkley too?”
         “I’ll be happy to,” She replied with a wink.
         “Thank you Mamma, I promise I’ll never lie again; I love my family too much.”

         A quack at the window made him turn. “I’m sorry to you too Capper. I’ll buy you a new hat with my birthday money.”
         “No, I shouldn’t have said that. Can we be friends again?” Capper asked.
         “I’d really like that.” Barkley said adding another plate to the table.