Disney Princess What Defines a Family: Chapter 1

By: jungleboy69

Chapter 1: A Hard Life on the Farm

"Barbary!" A loud voice woke the little three-year-old boy with a start. "Get your miserable butt down here, right now!" Barbary swallowed hard as he stumbled out of bed. Just before he went to freshen up, he looked out the window of his room.

He and his mother lived on a small farm in Florida. They owned an orchard where they grew oranges which they sold to markets. It used to be such a beautiful place where the song of birds and the scent of ripe fruit filled the air.

Sadly, they had fallen into hard times. A spell of dry weather emerged and there hadn't been any rain for months. Many of their fruit trees had withered and died and the remaining few hardly produced any fruit.

Barbary stared sadly at the desolate farmland with only a handful of fruit trees left. He couldn't believe this used to be his home. He wanted to see green trees and the trees full of fruit. "BARBARY, WHERE ARE YOU!?" His mother called, making him jump in fright.

"C-Coming, mommy!" Barbary replied, as he hurried to get changed and brush his teeth.

(5 mins later...)

"About time you woke up, you lazy bum!" His mother snapped, she was a white-skinned woman with auburn hair and fiery green eyes. "I have half a mind to kick your head in for oversleeping!" "I-I'm s-s-sorry, Mommy!" Barbary gulped.

His mother scoffed. "Just what I need, as if things weren't bad enough with this blasted heat and poor crops, I have to deal with a lazy brat like you!" Barbary bit down his lip slightly. The hurtful words were bad enough, but he could smell the stench of alcohol on his mother.

His mother used to be a sweet and kind woman who showered him with love and affection. Because they were poor, she homeschooled him and taught him how to plant fruit trees. However, the dry spell took a toll on her.

Every day, no trees sprouted, and less fruit was sold. As if that wasn't bad enough, rent day was around the corner and the landlord didn't care if you earned a living or not. All he wanted was his money and if they didn't pay the rent in due time, their farm and house will be put up for auction.

Barbary's mother couldn't handle the stress very well. Two years ago, she started drinking to take her mind off their terrible state. It didn't do much good. She grew more hot-tempered and aggressive, prone to violent mood swings.

Her addictions grew worse. She would often disappear for long hours, forcing Barbary to do most of the work. She would often return late in the night, completely drunk. She used up most of their savings to buy more alcohol.

"Anyway...I'm going out for the day." His mother told him. "So, I expect this whole place to be spick and span by the time I get back!" "You are to sweep the floor, dust the furniture, wash the dishes, weed the garden and tend to the orchard, you understand?" She demanded.

"Y-Yes, mommy..." Barbary replied, nodding his head. He knew better to argue with his mother when she was acting like that. As she went to gather her things, she pointed to the kitchen. "Your breakfast is on the table." She added.

She kissed Barbary on the cheek. The little boy couldn't help but wince at the smell of alcohol. Her kiss also lacked the warmth and tenderness that any kiss should have. "I want no slacking from you, understand?" She added sternly. "Y-Yes, Mommy..." Barbary replied sadly.

With that, his mother gathered her handbag and went out of the house. Barbary heard her car drive off and fade away. Quietly, he made his way into the kitchen. On the table were two pieces of white bread and a glass of water.

As he quietly sat down, his eyes welled up with tears. He wished this dry spell never began. He wished his mother never tried alcohol. He wished for things to go back to the way they once were.

*Squeak...Squeak...*

The sound of soft squeaking snapped him out of his sad state. He looked to see a small white furry head poke out of his shirt pocket. "Oh, hello Klaus..." He whispered, reaching into his pocket and taking out a white mouse.

Klaus was a gift from his grandfather on his 1st birthday and had been Barbary's only friend. He was a small white mouse with pink ears and a long pink tail. He was a curious creature who loved to explore. Barbary often carried him in his shirt pocket whenever he went out.

"You hungry, Klaus...?" Barbary asked gently as he tore a bit of white bread from one slice and handed it over to him. Klaus took it in his paws and nibbled at it. Barbary took a bite out of his slice. It was dry and a bit stale but the last thing he wanted was to waste food.

Times were getting harder. With no fresh fruit harvested and rent day coming soon, they would soon lose their home. As he ate silently, he caught sight of a family photo next to him. It was a picture of his family; he was in the arms of his mother who had a warm and loving smile as she held him.

With them was his father, a white-skinned man with brown hair and kind blue eyes. He was a kind and hardworking man who loved his family. He also was quite imaginative and made up the most fantastic stories. Barbary always loved listening to his father's stories. Sadly, all that ended when he died in a terrible accident.

Barbary could no longer hold back his tears and wept uncontrollably. "D-Dad..." He whimpered. "I want my Mommy back..." "Why can't she be the way she used to...?" He added. Klaus squeaked softly and nuzzled against his hand.

Barbary smiled sadly. "Thanks...Klaus..." He replied softly. Little did he know that soon, he was find the family he was searching for.