Things Reborn: Tuesday

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

After hanging out in the common room and eating a large amount of sugary cereal, Layla reported for duty at Things Reborn organizing items and store paperwork at speeds known only to those who have OD'd on Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs.

So if you do stop by Things Reborn, you might notice a lot of high-speed jabbering and no blinking coming from Layla.

[OCD ran away to join the freaking circus.]

Comments

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel was continuing his quest to better understand the town by better understanding the businesses that supported it. He entered in the usual way, silently but for the faint flutter of wings.

"And what is the purpose of this establishment?"

He wasn't one to beat around the bush, that Castiel.

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

Layla held up one finger in a gesture to convey "one more minute please" as she scribbled out something on one of the receipt.

When said scribbling was done she looked up and gave a perky grin. "Hi! Sorry. Had to make a note about this person who's going to try and return a vintage accordion after he broke it himself. No returns on broken merchandise you see. And this business is called 'Things Reborn' where gently used clothes and other items are bought and resold to those people who might need them."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel's brow quirked at the phrase "gently used". "It is a consignment shop," he summarized, turning his head to look the place over a second time. He paused after a moment, then blinked.

"You know he broke the accordion himself?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Mmm-hmm," Layla replied as she began to hyperactively fold up a pile of clothes. "He was attempting to perform the Who's Squeezebox and got frustrated when he couldn't perform the refrain and threw it on the ground. Since it was his poor accordion talent and not the accordion we shouldn't take it back."

[scruffnfeathers]

"You saw him do this?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Nope," Layla replied cheerfully as she sorted and folded. "I just know he did. It's what I do. I'm Layla Miller. I know stuff."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel nodded once. "How?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Because I'm Layla Miller," she replied as she finished up the pile of clothes. "Some people run fast. Some people can read minds. Others are Angels trying to stop an apocalypse. Me? I just know stuff."

[scruffnfeathers]

"That," observed Castiel, "is an answer to 'why', which I didn't ask. I asked 'how'."

He showed no surprise at her knowledge of his situation. After all, apparently she 'knew stuff', and it wasn't as though he hadn't told anybody.

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"I'd tell you how but I'd be struck dead for it," Layla said as picked up the pile of clothes and walked to a display. "Which kind of sucks because it's really cool how it works."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel could accept that. "That is an impressive gift. Though not an easy one, I should think."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Others have it a bit rougher," Layla replied. "At least I know what's coming and can prepare for it. Usually. Have you enjoyed your tour of businesses thus far?"

[scruffnfeathers]

"It has been quite enlightening, yes. I have not yet determined the source, cause, or nature of the island's unique behavior, however."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Want me to tell you?" Layla asked helpfully.

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel wondered if that was some sort of trap. Still. . . . "Yes."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Okay. See it's like this," Layla began. "When the island was first created it-"

There was then a flash of light and where Layla once stood there was a platypus. It stayed there on the ground doing some sort of noise that platypuses make. Sort of a hooting/cooing/squeal noise.

Regardless it just sort of continued to make these noises at Castiel until there was another flash of light and Layla reappeared exactly as she was before.

"And that's how it all works," she finished.

[scruffnfeathers]

"I see," said Castiel.

Whether this was because he spoke platypus or because he understood that the island had just decided to protect its own interests by transforming Layla for the duration of the explanation specifically to thwart him was left entirely unknown -- except by Castiel and perhaps Layla themselves.

"Do you sell computers?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Of course," Layla said cheerfully as she went behind the counter and pulled out a Mac laptop that had a little round blue sticker from Cove Bikes on the counter. "This one is in perfect shape and even includes a web camera on it. Plus Mac's are much easier to use than your typical PC and there's less of a chance of you getting a virus with it."

[scruffnfeathers]

It looked like a book. He hadn't noticed how much they looked like books, before now. "I was unaware that computers could get sick." He poked at it. "It will be able to access Wikipedia?"

That's where Chuck told him to go, after all.

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"You'll need access to the internet," Layla replied. "But yes, it'll be able to get to Wikipedia. If you don't have an isp provider but the Perk has free internet access if you need it."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel nodded. He'd passed the Perk several times now, though hadn't gone in to take a look around, yet. He pulled the money Chuck gave him from his coat. "I assume this is enough to cover the costs?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"More than actually," Layla said taking the appropriate amount, "You have enough to splurge on yourself a little."

[scruffnfeathers]

"Ah, yes. Chuck suggested I use it for new clothes." Castiel clearly didn't understand why Chuck felt the need to suggest this. "I'd planned to give any leftovers to charity."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"That's very nice of you," Layla replied. "Would you prefer suits or casual wear?"

[scruffnfeathers]

"For charity?" Castiel considered this. "They would perhaps be more comfortable in casual wear, but may require the suits for securing employment."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"I meant for you," Layla replied. "We do have some used clothing for sale in your size if you so want."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel looked down at Jimmy's suit, then back up at Layla.

". . . Do you have a suit like this one?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"No. Not exactly," Layla admitted. "Though there are other suits available."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel nodded. "I will think on it, and purchase just the computer, for now."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Okey-doke," Layla said pulling out a case for the laptop. "Here you go then, and I look forward to hearing your sermon this week."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel nodded again, wondering just what Layla knew that he didn't.

Hmm. Knowing.

Something to think on.

"Thank you very much, Layla Miller. It has been a pleasure talking with you."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Have a nice day, Castiel. I'll be seeing you around."

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

Irulan entered the shop, it was one of the shops she hadn't entered before and she was curious. "Hello?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Hi!" Layla said cheerfully and as swiftly went though a bunch of papers. "Welcome to Things Reborn!"

The sugar rush? Still not coming down from it yet.

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"May I inquire what things you sell here?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Oh... All sorts of things," Layla replied as she tapped all the papers together so they were in a neat stack. "We sell mostly used items so we have quite a variety. Is there anything you were looking for?"

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"I've been reading some books set during the 1920s and there is a reference to vinyl records and it piqued my curiosity," Irulan tilted her head, "would you have any of those in your merchandise?"

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"You're in luck," Layla said pulling out an old stereo/turntable. "We do have a newly repaired record player and a crate of old jazz records. We also have a CD player if you want to do something more modern."

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"I would like the record player and those records," Irulan said, "I don't think I have a CD player though... I only have an iPod."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Well if you have an ipod you don't really need a record player," Layla pointed out. "Are you sure about that?"

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"But I do like the novelty of owning a vintage record player," Irulan explained. "It's not something we have in Arrakis."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"Of course not," Layla said fishing out the records. " But if you want to go old school on the music I should stop you. Anything else?"

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"Hmmm..." Irulan looked at the merchandise, "do you have any recommendation? Miss..."

[iknowstuff.livejournal.com]

"We have a nice toaster oven," Layla suggested.