Today was my first day of first grade. I wore a dress made for girls on the move and my fastest shoes. For the first time, I was ready for Robbie Robinson and the never-ending chase!

The chase started back in preschool. I was playing in the sandbox when, all of a sudden, I heard< "Grrrrrr!" It was Robbie Robinson, growling and grinning like a scary jack-O'-lantern! I did what any smart, scared 4-year-old would do. I ran! Robbie Robinson chased me until my teacher made him stop. That was the beginning of the never-ending chase.

"Just ignore him," said Mom.

I tried that. No luck. I also tried telling my teacher. But nothing stopped Robbie Robinson.

I thought Kindergarten would be different, but then came recess. I was sitting on a swing when, all of a sudden, I heard, "Grrrrrr!" I looked up, and there he was, growling and grinning like a much bigger and much scarier jack-o'-lantnern! I did what any smart, scared 5-year-old would do. I ran!

Robbie Robinson would not catch me because the principle caught him first. But that was not the end of the never-ending chase. Robbie Robinson chased me at the Halloween Parade, on the 100th day of school, on Field Day, and on the last day of Kindergarten!

This summer I decided to get ready for the never-ending chase. I went to soccer camp, took swim lessons, and ran every chance I got!

Today, at recess, I was ready for Robbie Robinson. I was on my favorite swing when, all of a sudden, I heard, "Grrrrrr!"

My heart jumped! I looked up, and there he was with the same scary, jack-o'-lantern grin. But Robbie Robinson did not look so big anymore. And when I stood up, I was taller than him!

Robbie Robinson looked up at me, and his mouth fell open. Then, for the first time ever, he ran away from me! Just when I thought I was free, he turned and growled, "You will never catch me!"

So I did what any brave 6-year-old who spent the summer getting ready would do. I chased him! My legs moved so fast that I thought I was flying. Maybe I was, because I flew right past Robbie Robinson.

"Goodbye!" I shouted.

Then I ran back to my favorite swing, where I played in peace for the first time ever.