Can you feel your doom creeping up, slowly itching up your spine to take hold of your entire body? Feel it grasp your shoulders and pull you back down to deepest depths of hell.

You mean where you permanently reside? I asked my inner self.

Can you feel it? She whispered again.

I shivered unable to help it and looked out the window of the car.

Ugh, there was something about the prospect of a family dinner that made me slightly uncomfortable.

We were never one of those families' that bonded very well. When my mother was alive and married to my father we were a perfect family - or at least I thought we were. My mother was always home for dinner; she tucked me in every night and was sure to make certain that I was fast asleep when her or dad decided to pick a fight.

I had almost resented my father for a time, he had just let her leave and take me with her, and not just the house, the state. All without a fight. I thought he didn't care but as I got older I knew there was a difference between not caring, and wanting what is best for the ones you love.

And then, when I moved back in with my father, newly acquired step mother and a baby sister who had yet to be born, I found myself in a different situation all together. Sure, dad was still never home and, like my mother, Charlene didn't like to fight in front of children.

Jasmine and I mostly spent our days in our rooms and ate dinner with just the two of us at the table - which made these so-called family dinners that much more painful.

As the taxi came to a stop just outside my father's house I looked in my purse to give the man some money when I paused only seeing a twenty - not enough for the ride over.

That whole allowance thing is looking pretty good right now.

Shut up. I rolled my eyes and opened the door to the taxi, "I'll be five minutes." I quickly apologized to the driver and rushed towards the front door. He probably didn't mind since the meter was still running which meant I was being charged for my slow gallop up the drive way - my feet gliding a little on the gravel.

Why couldn't they just pave the damn drive way? Was it that hard?

Opening the front door I quickly called out to whom ever was around.

"Sky you're finally here!" Jasmine beamed at me as she rushed around a corner in a cute navy blue dress that made her look younger than she actually was.

"Yeah sorry I'm late, do you know where your Mum is I need twenty for the cab." I tried to look over her shoulder for a parent. When did she get so tall?

"I'll take care of it, you go in before Mum puts poison in your food." She smiled sweetly at me and reached for the door.

I went to reply but quickly shut my lips as I saw the truth in her words.

She probably would.

I would go with something that works slowly and untraceable in an autopsy. That is, if I were killing someone.

Not the best dinner conversation Inner self.

That is your opinion. She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted at me.

I rolled my eyes and continued into the house. The soft sound of classical music filled the air and the harsh smell of spices had me scrunching up my nose.

"What is that smell?" I frowned as I turned the corner. Charlene was putting the finishing touches on the dinner that she cooked - I was gawking at the sight.

Since when did she cook?

Since they were too poor to hire a chef, or maybe she just likes to wear aprons.

"Are you cooking?" I recoiled at the thought.

"Oh good you're finally here, I thought you would be late. Come and taste this Jasmine has been hiding all day." She waved off my question and gestured for me to stand next to her.

Hesitantly I made my way over to her. "What are you cooking?"

"Mexican." She beamed at me as if the one word answered my question. I looked around the stovetop and saw the IPad sitting on the bench with the recipe for a Mexican rice and stew. The picture resembled something I had eaten at a restaurant once but by the smell of Charlene's travesty in a pot, she had added way too much garlic and spice. "Taste it." She pushed a spoon closer to my mouth.

I showed her my disgust and pulled away. "No thanks."

"Oh stop being such a child." She scolded me and turned away, pulling her apron off and turning off the heat of the stove.

"I'm not a child, or are you forgetting the fact you are trying to make me marry a man for 'convenience'." I shuddered at the word convenience. It was quickly becoming one of my least favourite words but yet it seemed to sum up my entire life, currently anyways.

"How is that going by the way, I heard the two of you have spent some time together?"

"I despise more than half of his so-called personality, I can tolerate the other half but he is still getting under my skin."

"Under your skin in a good way?" Her eyes widened at the prospect.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "No! In an irritating way like an itch or a bad infection."

"Oh." Her face fell. "Well remember, try not to have one of your..." She trailed off slightly as she searched for her words. "Moments," She continued "in front of him."

One of your moments? What could she possibly mean by that? My inner self stopped my train of thought to ponder the idea.

I'm thinking it has something to do with you.

That is a valid hypothesis, but when she says moments does she mean....

"Sky!" Charlene shouted my name and clicked her fingers in front of my face. "I knew I should have taken you back to that psychiatrist." She muttered and began to pile a spoon full of Mexican rice and strew into the bowls.

"Hey, I am perfectly fine."

"Honey you wouldn't know what fine is if it ran you over with a truck."

"I resent you saying that."

"That's nice. Now go set these on the table and get your father for dinner." She passed me two bowls before she turned to pick up another.

I rolled my eyes at her and did as I was told, walking into the dinning room that was decorated with browns, oranges and blues - how those colours even worked together I will never know, to me it just looked like someone blind decided to decorate the room.

Placing the two bowls down I walked along the hallway searching for my father. After checking his study and finding it empty of all life with nothing but a strange and eerie creek to the old floor boards. I walked into the main bedroom and called out for my father thinking this was the only other place he could be.

Unless someone had kidnapped him, or Charlene had stuffed him in a closet somewhere.

You are really beginning to concern me.

It took you long enough.

"Dad?" I called out again.

The sudden clutter of objects moving in the bathroom caught my attention. Frowning I stepped closer. "Dad, are you okay in there?"

"Y-yes Sk-Sky." He stuttered.

The sound of tap being turned on and draws closing echoed through the large room. The bathroom door opened and my father was nervously clutching the cuffs of his light grey shirt, the damp water marks colouring the edges of it.

"Everything alright?" I gave him a small smile as I seeked reassurance.

"Just fine. Is dinner ready?"

"Yes but I'm unsure whether dinner is the appropriate word."

"Right, well w-we should go." He nodded rather frantically and side stepped me, quickly heading for the door.

I was confused.

What's new?

The fact of which I am confused about. Sure my father was a little neurotic and eccentric at times but this, this was strange even for him.

Shaking my head clear of my thoughts I followed my father out of the room and towards the dinning room. Charlene and Jasmine were putting the finishing touches to the seating, filling up glasses with water in one and wine in the other.

Why does everyone need two glasses?

One for each hand, duh.

We all began to dig into the food, a little hesitantly I may add. It smelt extremely spicy. Pushing it around a few times I watched the reactions of Jasmine and my father as they both took a bite. They didn't look like they were choking on it. They didn't look like they were about to throw it all back up.

Okay lets do this.

Picking up a spoonful of food I took my first bite. The food was full of flavor and I dare say, it was rather nice. I chewed my food with a new found confidence and swallowed - ready to take another bite when the sudden heat hit me.

"Oh my god!" I screamed as I grabbed the glass of water and started sculling it, Jasmine almost mimicking my movements only less dramatically as she struggled with the heat of the food.

"A little too hot?" Charlene questioned.

Finishing my glass I through it side and grabbed the next glass, a red wine and started to skull that too.

The wine worked better than the water but it still burned.

"Have some bread." Jasmine suggested as she took a bite of a small roll.

Nodding my head I did as I was told and munched on some bread finally feeling some sort of relief.

I took a few deep breaths and pushed my bowl away from me.

"If you will excuse me." My father said as he raised himself from his seat and left the room with his meal barley even touched.

My concern peeked.

Why, with that food I would excuse myself too. I think I'd rather eat paper than that crap.

True. Maybe that was it, he just didn't want to tell Charlene how shit of cook she is.

"Charlene you are shit cook by the way." My inner self gained control of my vocal cords for a brief moment.

Why the hell did you that?!

For the sake of your father and sister, she needed to know.

Charlene glared at me with venom in her eyes. I smiled sweetly attempting to soften her stare but it only intensified.

"Sky," Jasmine started, probably hoping to break the sudden tension and awkwardness.

"Yeah Jaz?"

"Mum said you are engaged? When did that happen and why have I not met him?" She seemed almost hurt that I hadn't told her myself.

"I would have Jaz but it was all so sudden." I turned and narrowed my eyes at Charlene. "I didn't exactly get a chance."

Clearly they were attempting to keep Jasmine in the dark about the financial troubles the family was experiencing and the idiotic plan to pick themselves back up.

"Jasmine why don't you go do the dishes sweetie." Charlene cut into the conversation.

"But I was talking."

"And eating." I added for extra effect.

"We all know this food isn't even eatable so there is no point." Charlene finally admitted to her poor culinary skills and sent Jasmine away leaving the two of us remaining at the table.

"Some family dinner." I sighed.

A quick glance towards Charlene I saw a glimpse of the hurt and sadness the failed evening had dealt her. She quickly squared her shoulders and recollected herself. She has always been such a strong woman, not letting anyone see she was hurt but sometimes, like now, I could see it. That small realization that she wasn't made of stone. That she was truly scared for her daughters future, that she was hurt when my father stood up and left the table, that she felt useless and disappointed by failing to even cook a decent meal for a family dinner.

"I'm sorry," I quickly apologized for my inconsiderate words. "I didn't mean it like that Charlene honestly."

"No it was warranted. I tried Sky but let's face it I am no Chef and this family is hardly a functional one." She sighed as she reached back and tossed her hair.

"It will get better soon." I tried to reassure her. Surely when there is no long the finical strain and pressure, my father will feel better and more secure, Charlene would be happy once again and my sister will remain completely unaware of anything that is going on.

"Yes, the wedding," she smiled - I swear it was even genuine. "I was thinking a classic black and white theme for the wedding, what do you think?"

I pressed my lips together not knowing what to say. I hadn't thought about it and I was almost certain Anthony would want gold glistening somewhere in the background.

"Oh with some roses of course, do you know where you want to get married? A beach maybe, oh I went to a beautiful reception at a winery only last month..." Charlene began to ramble.

Probably somewhere convenient.

Oh dear god he's in my head.

It's getting very crowded in here; I may have to push someone out of your ear.

Or you could just jump out on your own?

Where is the fun in that? Nah, I think I'll just push your conscience out, or maybe your pride?

Oh dear god.

"What do you think Sky?" Charlene's question pulled me back to reality.

"Charlene, please. I don't want to talk about it anymore." I told her honestly.

"Fair enough." Charlene nodded repeatedly as she looked off into the distance, her fingers skillfully encircling the rim of her wine glass sending a small singing sound into the large room.

This isn't over is it?

Nope! Round Two.

"So about the wedding," She started again, ignoring my plea.

I knew it!

"I need more wine." I interrupted her in an attempt to shift the topic. "Or beer, do you have in beer?"

"There is no beer in this house, sit down and stop dodging my questions young lady." She gripped my elbow and gently pulled me back down onto the couch. "I heard he gave you a ring."

"Oh did you now?"

"Yes I did. So, where is it?"

Looking down at my left hand I briefly scolded myself for taking it off. Where the hell did I put it?

Let's revisit shall we?

Flashes of the days events flashed through my mind, many of them enough to make me shudder. The morning rush, the ring shopping, the clothes, the agreement. But, where did I put the ring?

I ran my other fingers across where the ring should be and tried to remember.

Your butt.

What?

You put it in your back pocket check your butt!

With my sudden epiphany I jumped off the couch and slipped my hand into both pack pockets searching for the ring.

"Oh shit."

"You lost it already?!" Charlene all but screamed at me.

"Define lost."

"Sylar Marie Martin," she began, being sure to use my full name for extra emphasis on how much trouble I was actually in. "Not even twenty-four hours and you have already lost it!"

"Relax, it's around here somewhere." I waved her off and started looking around the floor.

"How did you get here Sky?" Charlene pressed.

"Well, a..."

"Taxi. Is there a possibility it is in the taxi?"

I licked my bottom lip and bit down. "Maybe."

Charlene put her head in her hands and took some very audible breaths. "You only have to wear the damn thing for another couple of weeks Sky and you can't even do that!"

"Things like this happen all the time." I waved off her concern.

"I will call the taxi company and you will go home and at least try not to ruin this chance. Now, what taxi company?"

I looked around the room a little unsure. "It was yellow."

"Oh dear god child how can you not know?"

"They are all yellow! How am I supposed to be able to tell the difference?!" I defended myself. Why couldn't the companies make it easy on people and have different colours for each taxi company?

"They have a sign on them Sky! A big one!"

"Obliviously in a very hard to see place!"

"Just go. I'll take care of it." She held up a hand to stop me from talking back.

Sucking in my bottom lip I decided Charlene was right and it was time for me to go. I said a quick goodbye to my socially awkward father and a very energetic little sister before walking outside to find my family driver smiling brightly at me.

"Ready to go Sky?" He greeted me and opened the passenger side door for me.

"Yeah, thanks Toby." I smiled at him.

"Anytime Miss Martin."

Sliding into the car I ran my fingers were the ring should be once again. It felt too strange to wear the band, especially when it didn't mean anything.

The ride home was silent with the light hum of the radio keeping my thoughts at bay. Getting home I wondered up to the apartment and let myself in. Jessie was already sound asleep but the kitchen light was left on so that I didn't walk around blind.

Kicking off my shoes I untied my hair and tossed the lose waves allowing them spread out and go in any direction. Walking into my bedroom I stripped myself of my clothes and slipped into my short-shorts and singlet. I pulled back my blankets and went to climb into bed when my sheets hit a stack of papers.

Reaching out I pulled the papers closer and saw it was my copy of the agreement between Anthony and I.

"If he wants an agreement then I'll give him an agreement." I smiled wickedly as I reached for my laptop and began typing.