No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 1012

It was a younger version of Cedric. His features were more boyish, his face filled with panic, and there were bloodstains on his clothes.

Noelle couldn't help but reach for the familiar face. But just as she did, the dream ended.

Noelle opened her eyes to the blinding light. The strong smell of disinfectant told her she was in a hospital.

Was this a dream? Or was this reality? Even she couldn't tell anymore.

"You're awake?" a voice sounded.

She turned, and there he was—Cedric. He looked more mature and handsome now, not quite the same as the teenager from her dream.

Noelle reached out and touched his face. Cedric didn't move, letting her hand rest against his cheek. Her palm was still a little cold.

Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him downward. Cedric didn't resist and lowered his face toward hers. He asked in a low voice, "What is it?"

But Noelle didn't answer and kissed him, exploring curiously.

Before Cedric reacted, Noelle bit his lower lip.

"It's real." She stared at the cut on the corner of his mouth. "This isn't a dream."

Cedric was at a loss for words. He leaned closer, brushing his lips against hers. "It's not a dream."

"Does it hurt?" she asked.

Cedric hummed. "A little."

Noelle smiled. "I've had so many dreams. I couldn't tell what was real and what wasn't."

Cedric held her cold hand. "This is real. You're awake now."

Cedric immediately poured her a glass of water, pulled her gently into his arms, and held the cup up to her mouth.

Once she finished, she felt much better. She asked in a hoarse voice. "Did anyone else at school get hurt?"

"No. You were the most seriously injured." Cedric sighed. "You could've escaped first. Why were you so reckless?"

Noelle shook her head. "I didn't think about it. It was the middle of the night. Some people probably hadn't woken up yet. But I'm fine now."

Cedric scolded, "You passed out, and you call that fine?"

Noelle lowered her gaze. She could hear his erratic breathing. She muttered, "I don't like fire and fainted from the fear, okay?"

"Was it because of the car crash?" Cedric asked gently.