Invisible To Her Bully (Jessa and Noah) novel Chapter 186

**Hearts Written in Silent Rain by Ava Bloomfield**
**Chapter 186**

**Noah**

Never in my life had I dedicated so much time to perfecting my hair.

It wasn’t even a complex style—just short and slightly tousled, the kind that said, “I promise I showered.” Yet tonight, it had to look… exceptional. Presentable enough to convince everyone that I wasn’t just some clueless guy who had stumbled into the incredible opportunity of taking Jessa to Homecoming.

Homecoming.

The very thought sent a thrill through me.

This was my first real date.

My first genuine girlfriend.

A wave of excitement washed over me, tightening my chest in the most exhilarating way.

As I adjusted my tie for what felt like the sixth time in the hallway mirror, my mother’s voice drifted in from the living room, breaking my concentration.

“Oh my God, Noah, you look so handsome!”

A groan escaped my lips. “Mom…”

She rushed over, her hands clasped dramatically beneath her chin, eyes sparkling with pride. “My baby has a girlfriend!”

“Mom,” I hissed, embarrassment flooding me. “Please.”

Ignoring my plea, she circled me like a proud parent inspecting a prize-winning horse. “I thought this day would never arrive.”

“Why does everyone think I’m incapable of dating?” I asked, exasperated.

“You’re selective,” she replied, adjusting my jacket collar with a motherly precision. “And painfully oblivious.”

“That’s rude,” I retorted, trying to maintain my composure.

With a gentle pat on my cheek, she smiled knowingly. “It’s true.”

–

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but notice how ridiculously radiant she was, practically glowing with pride. It was impossible to stay mad at her.

Just then, Dad emerged from the kitchen, nodding in approval. “He cleans up well.”

Mom sniffled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “He does.”

“Oh my God,” I muttered, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “I’m leaving.”

“WAIT!”

I froze at the sound of her voice—the unmistakable mom tone, a mixture of alarm and authority that demanded attention.

–

She hurried to the counter, her movements quick and purposeful, and grabbed a small white box.

My stomach plummeted. “Um… what is that?”

“The corsage,” she said, presenting it to me as if it were a precious artifact. “For Jessa.”

I blinked, taken aback. “I didn’t… get one.”

“I know.” She shot me that look—the one that said, “You’re lucky I love you.”

“Mom, I—”

“Noah.” Her voice softened, laced with a seriousness that made my heart skip. “It’s her first Homecoming. This matters. Flowers matter. Moments matter.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of her words sinking in. “Yeah. Okay.”

She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, honey.”

Dad nodded in agreement. “We’ll be at the school to take pictures before the dance.”

My face flushed with embarrassment. “Dad—”

“No arguments,” he said firmly. “It’s tradition.”

Mom practically beamed, her excitement palpable. “Now go. She’s probably freaking out and doing her hair for the fourth time.”

Taking the corsage, I exhaled deeply and stepped out the door, feeling a strange mix of dread, excitement, and utter disbelief that tonight was actually happening.

When I knocked, Jackson answered the door as if he had been waiting to ambush me.

“Well, well, well,” he said, leaning against the doorframe with a playful smirk. “If it isn’t Mr. Homecoming Date himself.”

I snorted, trying to push past him. “Move.”

He didn’t budge. Instead, he crossed his arms, adopting a serious expression.

“As the man of this house,” he intoned dramatically, “I suppose it’s my civic duty to give you—”

“No.”

“A talk.”

“Nope.”

“A stern talk.”

I lightly shoved his face with my palm. “If I recall correctly, it was my dad who gave you that talk.”

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