Invisible To Her Bully (Jessa and Noah) novel Chapter 157

**Hearts Written in Silent Rain by Ava Bloomfield**

**Chapter 157**

Jessa

As the sun rose on Monday morning, Ridgeville High buzzed with an unsettling energy, like the hum of a thousand whispers swirling through the air. It wasn’t just the HVAC system making strange noises; it was the palpable tension of gossip and speculation that seemed to vibrate through the very walls of the school. Everyone felt it, that awful, electric current that crackled with anticipation, as if the entire student body had front-row seats to my personal disaster.

Most of the rumors swirling around were nothing more than exaggerated fables.

Some claimed I had been unceremoniously tossed into the pool.

Others insisted I had fainted, collapsing into a heap.

A few even spun tales of Noah heroically dragging me from the water like a lifeguard in a cheesy romantic movie.

None of it was true, yet the truth felt like a distant echo, overshadowed by the chaos of fabrication.

What actually transpired was bad enough—hands gripping my arms tightly, laughter erupting like a dam breaking, and someone shouting something utterly revolting—before Noah intervened, putting a stop to the madness.

But the internet thrives on drama, not accuracy.

By the time second period rolled around, my nerves were frayed, and by lunch, I felt like a mere specter haunting the hallways.

Mariah stayed glued to my side throughout the day, her fierce glare directed at anyone who dared to look my way more than once. Yet, even her presence couldn’t drown out the incessant whispers that floated through the air like smoke.

When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the day, I felt as though I had been scraped clean, hollowed out. I wasn’t hurt; I wasn’t crying. I was simply… empty.

With a heavy heart, I began to shove my books into my bag, silently wishing for a miracle that would allow me to escape to the parking lot without encountering—

But fate had other plans.

Daniel’s voice slithered through the crowded hall behind me, dripping with malice.

“Well, look who’s still alive,” he sneered.

I felt my shoulders tense involuntarily, but I refused to turn around or acknowledge him.

He stepped directly into my path, blocking my escape with that same smug, soulless smirk that made my skin crawl.

“Noah didn’t seem too happy today,” he taunted. “Guess running off early from the party ruined his vibe.”

I remained silent, my heart racing in my chest.

He leaned in closer, invading my personal space. “You should’ve let the prank play out. Would’ve been iconic content,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain.

My stomach twisted at his words.

He wasn’t sorry.

He wasn’t embarrassed.

He was simply disappointed that he hadn’t gotten to finish the job of humiliating me.

Just then, Mariah appeared at my side, a fierce protector.

“Move,” she snapped, her voice sharp as a blade.

Daniel smirked, unfazed. “Chill, Morales. We’re just having a conversation.”

“No,” she shot back, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re proving that evolution doesn’t go forward for everyone.”

A few students slowed their pace, curiosity piqued, eager to witness the unfolding drama.

Daniel’s gaze flicked back to me, deliberately cruel, as if he relished the discomfort he caused.

“You really think a guy like Noah actually wants you? Come on, Jess. Be real. Athletes don’t date girls built like—”

“Daniel,” I interjected quietly, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me.

He hesitated, taken aback by my interruption.

I lifted my chin, summoning every ounce of courage I had. “Shut. Up.”

A few onlookers snorted in surprise, clearly shocked by my boldness.

His eyebrows shot up, disbelief etched across his face as if he couldn’t fathom that I had dared to stand up to him.

Mariah tightened her grip on my arm. “Come on,” she urged, pulling me away from the confrontation.

We walked away, my legs trembling beneath me, but I refused to let it show.

“Jessa,” he said, his voice tight with conviction, “you can’t let trash opinions dictate who you are. Daniel’s entire personality is threatened by anyone who dares to be happier than he is.”

He exhaled slowly, a calming breath, but his intensity remained.

“You’re not invisible to me. Not now, not before, and definitely not on Saturday.”

My breath caught in my throat, the weight of his words settling over me like a warm blanket.

“And don’t let anyone make you feel small for simply existing,” he added, his voice firm yet gentle. “They’re just loud. That’s all. Loud isn’t the same as right.”

A tear slipped down my cheek, unfair and involuntary, but I didn’t care.

He didn’t look away, didn’t pretend he didn’t see my vulnerability.

Just then, Jackson’s voice echoed from behind the school, loud and impatient:

“CARTER! LET’S GO! PRACTICE!”

Noah winced, rubbing the back of his neck, the tension returning for a brief moment.

“I have to get to the field,” he said softly, regret lacing his tone. “Coach is already pissed.”

He took a step back, his eyes still locked onto mine, as if he were trying to imprint this moment into his memory.

“Text me when you get home?”

“I will,” I promised, my heart swelling with something I couldn’t quite name.

He half-turned, then paused again, his voice softening even further.

“And Jessa?” He looked at me with a sincerity that pierced through the heaviness of my day. “Don’t believe anything Daniel said. Not one word.”

I nodded, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me.

He gave me a small, crooked smile—the kind that made something warm unfurl in my chest—as he jogged off toward the practice field, helmet tucked under his arm.

I watched him go, my heart racing, until he disappeared around the corner.

And for the first time all day, the heaviness in my chest lifted, even if just a little.