Invincible

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Harry's POV

"Losers like you don't belong, Harry." Is the last thing I hear Jayden say before walking out of the restaurant and heading back home.

Just her presence urges me to punch a wall. Jayden Steele. Holmes Chapel's sweetheart, football extraordinaire. I'm still clueless about how everyone adores her, including my own family. I've had to grow up right next door to Jayden my whole life, and she is really nothing special. Sure, she can kick a football around a pitch better than most kids in year 8, but all I see is a fake. Her fake kindness, fake friends, fake smile. She's friends with everyone, and yet when she sees me, she acts as if I killed her whole family.

And because Jayden hates me, everyone hates me. I've been exiled to the bottom of the food chain in 2nd grade, and I've stayed here ever since.

Some people just say I'm jealous of Jayden, because she is so successful at such a young age and all I'll ever be is a loser with acne. Maybe they're right, for the time being. I still know that one day I will prove them all wrong.

I’m not old enough now, but one day I’m going to try out for the X Factor. I’ll show everyone in this stupid town that I am not as bad as they think I am. I’ll especially show Jayden.

“Harry! Did you give Jayden her phone? Her mother told me she saw you walking to town and gave it to you.” My mum immediately asks as I walk through the front door.

“Yup,” Is all I said while grabbing a water bottle in the kitchen and making my way towards the stairs to go to my room.

“Oh that’s great, honey! She’s such a sweet girl, Jayden is. How is she doing anyways?”

I don’t even turn around as I reply, “Fine.” And shut the door to my room.

Even my own mum would rather hear about Jayden than me. I’d wish nothing more than to go one day without hearing about how wonderful she is or how talented she is. For once, I want to be recognized as more than Jayden’s neighbor. I want to be recognized as Harry Styles.

One day.

***

Jayden’s POV

“You’re just joking, right?” I try to stay calm although my voice is shaky.

“I’m sorry, Jay, I wish I could say I was. But your dad got transferred to the states. I know you love it here and you have so many friends and such a bright future, but I’m sure that you can make new friends in Californ-“

“I don’t want new friends, Mum! I don’t want to leave Holmes Chapel! This is my home! You can’t make me leave this! What about school? The upper school already has recruiters coming to watch my first game in the fall!” The shock and anger is evident in my voice as I try to make sense out of all this.

Mum tries to calm me by caressing my cheek with her thumb before wrapping me in her arms, “I know, honey. I don’t want to make you leave, either. But sometimes you have to think about what’s best for all of us, not just you.”