Today, we had the race which was first mentioned in my first post. During lessons before recess, Gary Fulcher, a bully in my class, asked me if I was racing today as I was giving out the arithmetic books. I nodded my head and he smirked, a thought that he can beat me in the race hovering delightfully above his head. However, I was undeterred and confident in beating him. I knew I was better than I had been last spring. I wanted to give Gary Fulcher a surprise during recess. I really detest him as he always bullies me into silence during class. To make matters worse, he sits right behind me in class! It was as though I had swallowed grasshoppers as I could hardly wait to spring the surprise.

Finally, after what seemed like eternity, the recess bell rang. All the boys sprang up from their seats and dashed towards the door in the twinkling of an eye. Unfortunately, Mrs Myers, our teacher held us back and let the girls off first. Fortunately, she did not hold us back for long and soon enough, the race was beginning. Gary Fulcher was acting like this year's Wayne Pettis who is a very bossy sixth grade boy. He was bossing everyone around. He excluded most of the first, second and third graders from the race. The poor little boys looked extremely disappointed but they had no choice but to back away obediently. I really feel sorry for them. They should be allowed to join in the race.

Then the greatest disappointment in my life occurred. I lost the race against Leslie, the new girl who joined our class today. It all happened when Leslie came to ask me if I was running, since I was the only one in the whole school she knew. I argued with Gary Fulcher to let both of the two boys who won in a tie to race in the finals. He spotted Leslie standing behind me and said that the next thing I would want is to let some girl run. Humiliated, I turned to Leslie and asked her if she wanted to run and she agreed. At the bang, I shot forward. It felt good-even the rough ground against the bottom of my worn sneakers. I could almost smell Gary Fulcher's surprise at my improvement! The crowd was also noisier than usual and I believe that they are also noticing. I wanted to look back to see where the others were but it would seem conceited to do so. I concentrated on the finishing line and it was nearing with every step. Then I felt someone moving up. I automatically pumped harder. Unfortunately, the person overtook me and crossed the finishing line as the winner. It was Leslie. My heart sank immediately. This was the day I was going to be champion-the best runner of the fourth and fifth grades, and I had not even won my heat. Everyone present was also stunned that a girl had won in the race.

Gary Fulcher immediately chased Leslie off. I told Gary to let Leslie run in the finals and walked away. If I had not, he would have punched me for I taunted him for being scared to let a girl race him. I was glad to have finally mustered up my courage and told him off. Maybe I can tell him to let the first, second and third grade boys race too next time. Leslie came to thank me later but I was still feeling sour about losing and ignored her throughout the rest of the day.