Archer Diaries

Laid

There is a thin line between illusion and reality. There is no telling what is real and what's not and I'm afraid I crossed that line. I've lost touch with my reality and living a lie. This lie is far from perfect but it beats my reality. That cold brutal reality which offers nothing more than insanity with a dose of heartache. No, this illusion, the one I'm living now is perfect. It keeps me from going borderline insane. I'm running a race, heading in two directions at once and I see two people at the end of each finish line, waiting impatiently. It's funny, they look just like me.

*******
He waited patiently and when the inmate in the orange jumpsuit entered, a smirk broke out on his face. "You look funny." he playfully quipped in French as soon as he held the handset to his ear.

"Yeah, yeah. We don't get grooming services here in prison, you know." the inmate retorted in the same playful tone while rubbing his beard. "But I still look good."

Mason's smile faltered a bit and Antoine noticed. He was guilt tripping himself. "If you're going to do this then you should leave" he added in a serious tone.

"Sorry! Can't help it." Mason apologised immediately.

"Well you better... Anyway I see you're doing fine, judging from your looks which is great. How is business?"

Mason glanced quickly to the guard by the door before looking back at Antoine. "It is great but we just lost one of our clients."

"That's terrible..."

Mason scoffed, "That's hardly pitiful. He was a douchebag."

Antoine just chuckled. All the men they dealt with were hardly ever gentlemen but it seemed Mason had something personal against him. "What did he ever do to you?"

His face set into a deeper scowl in reminisce of Rodrick, the man who turned the love of his life into a punching bag. "He's the reason I came to Saint Laurent." he replied in a matter-of fact tone and watched as Antoine's eyes widened in realisation before bursting into laughter.

"That's messed up, Flaco. I guess this is somewhat good news for you?" His brows were quirked with amusement.

Mason chuckled humourlessly but didn't answer. Instead he brought up another topic. Antoine however noticed his slight unease and the almost passable hesitation in his stance. His friend was knew something however he decided not to push him for answers just yet. He instead welcomed the change of topic all the while taking a mental note.

Visiting time was over before they knew it and Mason left, promising to visit again. He got into his Jeep but didn't drive away immediately. He clutched the steering wheels so hard, his knuckles turned white. Talking about Rodrick, even after his death, made him mad. More than anything he regretted that the fool didn't die by his hands. He was deprived the joy of seeing his life seep slowly from his eyes. Sadistic, yes but it would have been worth it. His phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out to read the message sent. He started the jeep and sped out of the lot.

********
He rubbed his hands with his handkerchief one last time just to be sure there was no trace of blood on them. Maya would be beyond pissed if she found out he was caught up in illegal activities again. He straightened his collar before knocking gently on the door. He put on his boyish smile as the door opened to reveal the scowling face of his adoptive mother. She reached for his cheek, pinching it. His smile immediately faltered and he held onto her hand, yelping in pain.

"Je suis désolé, Maman." he pleaded as she dragged him inside, knowing fully well why he was being punished. (I'm sorry, mum.)