The hot spring was not on the mountain like Hilda had said. Instead, it was in a valley and was surrounded by green trees and beautiful flowers, like a retreat away from the hustle of the outside world. The air was fresh, unlike that in the cities. It was serene.
The men's pool and the women's pool were separated by thick wooden planks. The girls and boys couldn't see each other, but their voices could be heard clearly over the wooden division.
Michelle and Hilda took their time to change into their swimsuits. When they arrived at the pool, Erin rolled her eyes and snorted at them, "What country bumpkins!" Erin was wearing a bikini, which accentuated her sexy body. Several girls were swimming around Erin and fawning over her.
Michelle and Hilda entered into the pool and stayed away from Erin. But Hilda still felt uncomfortable in Erin's presence.
"Erin, you have such an exquisite, well-shaped body unlike someone here who is dressed like an old lady," the girl, who was next to Erin, sneered. She had always disliked Michelle. According to her, Michelle was just a broke girl from a poor background and should also fawn over Erin like she did.
"Exactly. Look at her flat chest," echoed another girl, who cast a scornful glance at Michelle and Hilda.
Hilda bit her lower lip and turned to look at Michelle to see her reaction. But Michelle didn't seem to be bothered at all. She had shut her eyes as if nothing had happened. She let the warm spring water relax her body.
Satisfied with the insults, Erin raised her head and looked at Michelle. She had thought that Michelle would be ashamed of herself, but she was wrong. She gave absolutely no response to their taunting. Erin was annoyed.
"Hey, fatso! Get out of here. Your presence is making me sick," Erin yelled at Hilda. She could do nothing to Michelle, so she decided to teach Hilda a lesson.
"I..." Hilda stammered, biting her lower lip. She was hurt by Erin's harsh words.
"Don't mind her. Barking dogs never bite," Michelle said indifferently. She didn't even open her eyes.
"Hey gritter, what did you just say?" Erin yelled hysterically. But no matter how angry she got, Michelle remained indifferent, which angered her even further.
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