Funkanometry Goes to UCLA Freshmen Year: Book 1

By Diana White

Funkanometry are two young male alternative hip-hop dancers. They were on WOD and AGT. They were attending UCLA. While they were there in LA, they wanted to continue to teach dance like they did in Vancouver Island, Canada. Then they rented a very large space in LA and have it remodeled. Perfect for hip-hop or any style of dance. A place for dance battles. They faced the challenges of dealing with setting up the space, finding students, and facing challenges all new business face. They decided that they could sublet space that they renovated.

Dani and her best friend Noel talked about how they needed to earn some extra money. They had run a small studio in their hometown, Lewes, Delaware. Living 3,000 miles from home at UCLA. The price of tuition was straining both sets of their parents. Carlow had found out from Noel that taught dance in her past. Noel and Dani were looking for a studio to hire them. Noel taught jazz, acro, and tap, and Dani taught ballet. Things heated up quickly between the pairs. The girls' parents were not happy; the romance between the two couples was fun-loving and intensely passionate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887315171

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Humble Beginnings

Setting: LA

Premise: Starting a dance studio and going to college!

Funkanometry was formed in 2016 mostly by a gifted young black dancer, instructor, choreographer, and actor Kule A. J. Kambere. Known in the dance industry as A. J. Megaman, he is five feet seven inches tall, brown eyes, black hair, with a stocky build. He is known for his ability to isolate and move certain muscles. He felt that Jacksun Fryer’s and Carlow Rush’s styles matched and would make a great duo. Instructor A. J. Megaman worked at both of the studios where the dancers Jacksun and Carlow trained.

Describing Jacksun from 2016, he was five feet tall, with a very slender build, bright-blue eyes that sparkle with his next bit of mischief, his thick brown hair lightening in the summer sun with gold streaks. He pulls the most comedic and expressive facial expressions. The 2016 Carlow has always been tall and lanky, about five feet eight inches. Even at a young age, he had a James Dean smolder in his deep-blue eyes. His blond locks are stunning, and he plays his hair to his advantage. When gliding, he almost appears to be skating.

The dancers knew of one another and had even competed against one another in competitions. The pair didn’t formally meet, and they had a great vibe. They decided to pursue a duo dance team after a year on a crew called Maestros. They had done several local and some not-so-local competitions. While in the US doing a battle competition in Los Angeles, California, they were seen by a talent scout from the World of Dance. The scout approached their choreographer A. J. Megaman, which led to the audition in Vancouver World of Dance auditions.

Funkanometry then went to the Los Angeles auditions for World of Dance, they made it through the audition level. In the LA performance for World of Dance, judges Jennifer Lopez, Neo Yo, and Derek Hough were entertained and amused. Funkanometry was on season 3 of WOD, being known for their strong and amusing choreography. They definitely played off their ten-inch height difference. They made it to the divisional finals. They performed on television three times in season 3, all choreographed by A. J. Megaman. WOD is an internationally known show, and they were invited back for season 4.

Again in season 4, the duo returned as part of the Gigabots crew also choreographed by A. J. Megaman. They only performed in the audition round and were eliminated. The duo returned home more hyped than ever to build their dance careers.

They had a Let’s go! attitude that was halted by the pandemic. Jacksun and Carlow didn’t even see each other for a couple of months. Like all of us during the pandemic, they were watching social media trends. TikTok, best known as a dance video platform, spiked in popularity during the COVID pandemic. They wanted to perform and needed an outlet for their creativity. Funkanometry decided to create a small dance studio in part of Jacksun’s parents’ living room/dining room area. They began to make videos for TikTok; this was when their friendship took off.

Even though they were a duo already, the Funkanometry dancers saw one another weekly at dance. Funkanometry was established in 2016. Carlow was fourteen, and Jacksun was thirteen. The boys still lived an hour apart as well. Their closer friendship developed when they started making videos of their own choreo. The dancing duo became popular on the app TikTok during the pandemic. They perform their own choreography, under Funkanometry. As their popularity became more apparent, the Funk Fam fan base grew. The fans made many suggestions for the duo to expand their filming areas to several fun local settings. Two young men have exciting and promising dancing and acting careers ahead of them.

CHAPTER 2

The Duo

Jacksun Fryer, raised in Nanaimo, is the younger of this duo Funkanometry. Jacksun started dancing at the very young age of seven. He was inspired by the TV show America’s Best Dance Crew. His mom, Nicole Fryer, asked him if he liked the Quest Crew, a B-Boy crew. She then asked him if he wanted to learn to do what the dancers were doing. He said, Yes, then started training at Vibrant Dance Studio, with Serra Stewart.

Jacksun’s sister, Cypress, trained there as well and is an accomplished entertainer as well. Cypress is a stunning young lady, willowy dancer physique with blue eyes and platinum-blond hair. She is so proud of her brother and is very supportive of him. Jacksun’s family has always been very active. He is an avid surfer and skim boarder. He was sponsored by Alternative Groove for Team Rider, a skim boarding team.

As a dancer, he has done multiple local shows and competitions. Standout competitions for him in Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California. He represented the International Team for Canada’s Hip-hop twice after he auditioned in both grades 6 and 7. In 2015, his group won silver. The Team Canada Hip-hop took him to Italy in 2015 and Denmark in 2017.

He graduated in 2021 from Dover Bay Secondary School in Nanaimo BC Vancouver Island. He attended his prom with friends and one of his friends being Lauren Spencer Smith, a singer with an outstanding voice from Nanaimo. She made it to the top 20 on American Idol season 2018.

Carlow Rush was originally from Duncan. Carlow grew up being very active with his siblings Jarvis, his older brother; and Esmee, his baby sister. As a kid, he played lacrosse, basketball, soccer, snowboarding, swimming, surfing, and skateboarding. Skateboarding was a passion very early on. He was an accomplished skateboarder doing stunts and tricks, always pushing limits and excelling. Carlow’s interest in dance was fueled by his mother; she had him go to a recreation center dance class. He hated the first one, and Mom pushed him to attend for a second time, and he liked it.

Carlow started his dance training at Carlson School of Dance at eleven years old. Standout competitions for him were Duncan Has Talent solo hip-hop dancer Carlow Rush, who emerged as the third place winner in 2014 after only one season of dance. He came back to Duncan Has Talent two more times to take first place in 2015 and 2016.

Carlow attended Cowichan Secondary School and graduated in 2020. In May of 2020, his senior year, he received two awards in dance, the honor of first place at the Elements Competition for senior street dance student choreography and in senior choreography. All the entries for the competitions were done via video because of COVID. Graduation during a pandemic robs you of all the usual expectations of your senior year. Carlow’s positive attitude and perseverance and love of dance kept him motivated.

CHAPTER 3

Go to UCLA and Getting a Studio in Cali (Fictional from Here On)

The duo were now going to UCLA for college. Jacksun was at UCLA to get a BS in biology, thinking it is a good degree to build upon. Carlow was going to get his BA in business. He figures it will help with opening dance studios and contract management of his own career. He plans to open Funkanometry Dance Studios across the US and Canada. They arrived in LA in early August. They had bought their condo in June, and the previous owners’ new house wouldn’t be finished until mid-July. They were in LA early because they wanted to continue to teach dance like they did in Nanaimo, Vancouver, BC, Canada. They wanted to find a very large space like an old supermarket or defunct business in LA with a rent-to-own option. Of course, the building had to fit the funky vibe they were searching for in a studio.

The space they found was ideal; it had an industrial historic feel, perfect for hip-hop or any funky style of dance. As they explored their new space together, they discussed all its potential, each firing ideas at each other just like when they choreographed a performance. Jacksun and Carlow fed off each other’s ideas and improved upon them. It really was crazy how in sync their thoughts were about their new space. A place for battles…they thought. They faced the challenges of dealing with a new property because they were thinking of their rent-to-own situation. They became more excited about remodeling this space because it was an investment in their future. They had worked in many studios and had many ideas to create the perfect studio. They had been very diligent with the money they had made. They had a substantial amount set aside for their dream studio space. This was no reason not to be sensible after all the hours worked.

They had decided to take a divide-and-conquer approach to setting up the new endeavor. They sat down and discussed all the facets of their business plan, the building remodel, and their college classes. College was distinctly important to them both. They decided that the space was large enough to create two very large studios, and the second area was large enough to provide one large group studio and two smaller but adequate private studio areas. Both areas had plenty of natural light, and they would have general lighting and agree that stage lighting should be installed. In the front of the building would be an entry reception area, Jacksun and Carlow’s office.

Jacksun also had an idea for another office up front for a talent agency satellite office. The prospective talent agency could rent the office space from them, and they could also get a referral fee for each of their dancers represented by the talent agency—setting up the space, finding students, and the other challenges all new businesses face. Jacksun’s parents taught him not to be one-dimensional or limit his business model. As a chiropractor, Dr. Jerome Fryer also hand-carves spine models for teaching purposes. He had designed and sold a saddle chair to promote spinal health, being versatile and competitive in his business.

CHAPTER 4

Hiring an Architect

Hiring an architect Carlow volunteered to do. He may or may not have a connection for some suggestions. Carlow told Jacksun, Bro, I might have an architecture hookup! That piqued Jacksun’s interest. Remember cost, dude. Get estimates and stuff. Carlow agreed.

Carlow had a student at Carlson dance studio named David, and his mom was an architect. At ten years old, David was talented and attended private lessons for a month or so to refine his solo in an upcoming competition. Carlow and David’s mom, Trina, and dad, Tim, became friendly. Trina was an architect, and she showed Carlow her portfolio. Her architecture style was artistic. Carlow inquired about her educational degree. She said, I trained in the States at Portland University. Carlow called her for advice on hiring an architect because she might have a colleague to recommend.

When asked, Trina stated, Oh my god, yes! I have a friend that lives in Los Angeles that I went to college with at Portland University. Trina told him she would call her friend and get him an appointment. Trina got all of Carlow’s information; he said that because it was early August, he hoped to see someone before school started in September.

After Trina hung up the phone, her husband, Tim, giggled. He said, Honey, you realize you just sent Carlow and Jacksun into a vortex with no warning.

She said, Stop! Vanessa is fabulous. You know you love her too!

He giggled again and said, Okay! But it wasn’t in an instant. She can be overwhelming. You’re right. She has a good soul. Trina was pleased that Tim agreed with her. He did, however, plant a small seed of doubt that gnawed on her.

In what seemed like minutes, Carlow’s cell was ringing with an unknown number. Carlow was slightly hesitant about answering the call. The caller said very loudly with a strong Southern drawl, Hello, is this Carlow Rush? Again hesitant, but he responded with a firm yes. Vanessa took off on a tirade, Well, good morning, sugar, emphasizing each syllable. Trina called me a moment or two ago. She told me she had kin in Los Angeles that needed an architect. Well, baby, I am the answer to your prayers. I’m Vanessa, she says.

Carlow thought Trina didn’t warn him about how enthusiastic her friend could be. Carlow began rubbing his temple and eyebrow, a habit he had when deep in thought. He began to relax slightly, but he still didn’t get a chance to speak. Vanessa talked so much and so fast. She said so much he wasn’t sure he heard everything. What he did hear was pro bono for Trina’s kin. She said, Child, I’ll be there at one. With lunch for you and that little cutie Jacksun.

Jacksun had been studying Carlow during the entire exchange. He noted the index finger to the brow, a trademark of Carly thinking. He heard Carlow say yes and then nothing else. Carlow, looking slightly dumbfounded, then turned to Jackson with a bewildered expression and said, I’m pretty sure I just hired an architect that will be here at one. She says she is bringing lunch. Something about collard greens, jalapeño corn bread, and fried chicken that would make you wanna slap yo Momma. Because college kids don’t eat right. It was just about the weirdest conversation he ever had, if you could call it a conversation.

Jacksun waited patiently for more information, mainly the price; he had been dealing with all the financial issues. Finances could make anyone testy. A million things ran through Jacksun’s head, but mostly that this was odd. Carly never made rash decisions. He didn’t even ask me if this was okay, Jacksun thought. Jacksun tempered his emotions and asked questions first. Jacksun asked, Uhm, Car, did you get the price? Architecture firms can be pretty pricey. Dude, why exactly didn’t you ask any questions? Carlow still seemed off-kilter. Vanessa steamrolled him on the phone. He was imagining her in person.

Drifting out of his confusion, Carlow said, Jacks, she said she is pro bono for Trina’s kin. Honestly, I can’t remember much more, and she had me on the phone for ten minutes. All I got to say was yes, and that’s when she verified my name. Look, we can hear her out at least. She’s Trina’s friend. This isn’t a final decision. We gotta start somewhere, Jacks! Jacksun said, True, true. Plus a free lunch. What exactly are collard greens? Jacksun turned and said, This place is a wreck. Man, where should we eat? They cleaned the front space up some. By then it was one o’clock on the dot. Carlow wasn’t even sure if Vanessa was going to find the building. She didn’t ask him for directions. Then they saw a white caddie and a box truck pull up in front of the building.

CHAPTER 5

Vanessa

Vanessa arrived right on time. She was an authentic Southern woman, even more flamboyant in person than on the phone. Vanessa’s outfit set the tone. Her dress was a vibrant tangerine by Oscar de la Renta. Showed off all her curves and flat stomach. A Libby Bea tangerine fascinator with a few feathers was atop her long straight black hair that swayed when she walked. Her Dooney & Bourke tangerine shoulder bag complemented her black patent leather Jimmy Choos with the tangerine stripe across the toe, finishing off her outfit.

Carlow’s and Jacksun’s first thought was the song Drip Like Me by Kenndog. The piano melody played in their heads. Vanessa dripped for sure. Her skin was a very light caramel brown. The forty-four-year-old was in fantastic shape. She was a 40 double D, 29-inch waist, and 36-inch hips with very long and smooth legs. She stood about five feet nine inches, but with her heels, she was at five feet eleven inches, almost six feet.

She was an intimidating energy when she came through the door; it was explosive. She started ordering the three young men that accompanied her to set up lunch. Her staff brought a table, chairs, linens, china, and flatware. It was orchestrated so well under her direction. Jacksun and Carlow stood in amazement and thought to themselves, Who is this, and what is happening? After, she saw her staff had the luncheon under control.

She went to greet her new clients. Carlow stepped forward and stuck out a hand to introduce himself to Vanessa. She ignored his hand. He got out, "Hello, I am Carlow,’’ and before he knew it, she grabbed him into a bear hug, squeezing the breath out of him.

She said, Honey, I’m a Southerner, and we hug. Besides, you look like you could use a nice long hug. After what seemed like an eternity, she released Carlow. She remarked, Child, you ain’t nothing but bones! Carlow thought she may have broken some of his ribs. He gasped slightly for air.

Jacksun felt for Carlow and cringed. I mean, that was a lot. Jacksun felt like he might escape this greeting. After all, Carlow was the one she considered kin to Trina. Nope, before he knew it, she swallowed Jackson right into her arms. Because of her height, she pulled his face right into her double Ds. It happened so quickly Jacksun was too stunned to react. She just grabbed him, and his face was planted in between her boobs. Carlow was dying; he couldn’t laugh, but come on. He wanted a picture of this moment and slyly got the shot on his cell. When Jacks found out, Car was dead. While Jacksun’s face was buried in this stranger’s double Ds, she began to talk to the top of Jacksun’s head as she played with his hair. She then grabbed his face, kissed his forehead, and said, You must be Jacksun. Oh, little one, you are just bones as well! Jacksun, that’s a very Southern name.

Carlow and Jacksun thought, Oh yeah, Southern Vancourver maybe. When he was finally released, he was crimson and speechless, which was very unusual for Jacksun.

Now she invited these two malnutritioned boys to sit at the table set up in their reception area. The food had been unpacked and was in serving dishes. She had all the plates in front of her and began to dish out the food onto the plates and pass it to each one of the boys. Neither Carlow nor Jacksun had ever had collard greens or jalapeño corn bread. They had had fried chicken. Neither of them wanted to be rude, so they tried the food cautiously, thinking this was a tremendous amount of food on their plates. They loved it all, but mostly the jalapeño corn bread was fantastic. The only drinks were water and sweet tea. The sweet tea was their least favorite. They were used to wize tea, which only had 4 g of sugar. Sweet tea seemed to have 60 g of sugar. Carlow said it made his teeth hurt it was like drinking syrup. They both drank water with their meal. Vanessa however mostly just sipped on her sweet tea and nibbled at the corn bread.

While they were eating, she explained to them that her cousin Lony ran a soul food truck. He had a fleet of eight to nine trucks, and not all of them did soul food. His greens and jalapeno corn bread were award winning. Not many Californians can cook Southern food properly, she informed them. This was where she got their lunch. They were trying to finish their meals when she brought out dessert. Both were stuffed but conceded to a very small portion. She informed them it was a pretzel salad. As she made them each a dessert plate, their entrée plates were stealthily removed and drinks replenished. Carlow and Jacksun looked at each other like, What is pretzel salad? It looked like red Jell-O on top. They both thought, Well, we’ll try it. It was delicious. They loved the crunchy pretzels, and with melted butter on the bottom and the cheesecake layer covered with strawberries and strawberry Jell-O, it was fantastic. They hadn’t eaten that much food in a long time. Nothing like a homemade meal, they thought.

CHAPTER 6

Work Mode Vanessa

Vanessa switched gears. She was in work mode. Vanessa asked if they had notes ready about what design features they would need. Carlow and Jacksun found out while touring the space with Vanessa that she was a more-than-capable architect. She listened to all their ideas and reviewed the handwritten notes during their exploration of building. She fine-tuned some of their ideas and noted a few space-saving ideas. While she moved through the space with Jacksun and Carlow, she had the video running on her phone capturing all the questions and the ideas for improvement.

Her phone captured the building’s dimensions via The Ruler app on her iPhone. She explained the app to them and that it could be used to measure anything. She also stated that the app converted to metric as well. Being from Canada, they used the metric system. They proceeded to the side of the building to discuss the plan for how they wanted an outdoor space next to studio one, where the garage doors opened.

Vanessa definitely had a few ideas on how to make that area very special, but she wanted to surprise them. They thought a concrete slab and a few things for people to sit on would be awesome. Carlow and Jacksun agreed they would prefer a clean line aesthetic while preserving the historic feel to their space.

First things first, said Jacksun to Vanessa and Carlow, we need a high-quality sound system that will emphasize the studio’s experience. That’s how we approach our choreography. For him, it had always been about the groove, something Jacksun noticed when he started to choreograph dances on his own or in collaboration with Carlow. Jacksun pointed it out to Carlow and said, It’s dope that our ears are now more tuned in for sounds that we didn’t pay attention to before we started doing choreo. We definitely need to start with the music system first. While every space was different, they wanted a portable system as well to perform at events. They wanted the speakers mounted eight feet off the ground to prevent the echo effect in both studios and the private dance areas in the second studio.

Carlow also suggested surround sound for the office space. Earlier, Jackson researched and found the perfect system for their build. The music system, amplifiers, and speakers should come from Bose. The highest quality in their line, it had CD, MP3, and streaming capabilities for maximum flexibilities. They would be able to use Bluetooth or a docking station. The multiple remotes allowed for the teaching staff to control the music from across the room. The importance of instructor mobility wasn’t lost on them, being there for each student.

Being detail-oriented was shown in their choreography; Vanessa noticed their eye for detail in their studio plans. Jacksun and Carlow did ruminate over the flooring. They decided for the larger space a dense Black Marley with no shoe space, especially great when gliding and doing hip-hop. The basketball shoes the dancers used were designed to stick to wood floors since Carlow and Jacksun were generally rocking the AF1s known as Nike Air Force 1. They went with the more conducive Black Marley flooring. Jacksun looked over at Carlow to see if he was still wearing his necklace with the shoelace charm from his first pair of AF1s. Of course, it was there as always with his white pearls—Car’s good luck charm, thought Jacksun.

Lighting is so important. Natural light poured in on the studio side 1; capturing that would be ideal. Utilizing the space next to the building of side 1 was important. During events, they wanted to have an open concept. They were going to have Vanessa create three bays of glass garage doors, floor to ceiling, which were twelve feet high. These doors were beautiful, contemporary, and extremely functional. They were tempered, lightly tinted, half-inch thick glass panels measuring two feet high by three feet wide and were encased in black steel. Each door was five panel high and three panels wide. This would fulfill the aesthetic vibe they were looking to achieve. With the flick of a switch, the light coming through the windows could be muted and or blacked out fully or partially, remotely, or by a light switch.

The other dance studio, studio 2, would be more traditional in style, including a dance barre. Full hardwood floors that were sprung to prevent injury, some windows for natural light. Again with the flick of a switch the light coming in could be muted and or blacked out fully or partially, remotely, or by a light switch.

Vanessa got ready to depart. She informed them the table and chairs were a gift from her. She explained when she returned for her presentation that she would bring lunch again. She offered Mexican, sushi, Indian, authentic New York deli, or salads. Of course, they chose the deli. She sent them a menu via cell phone and told them to text their order to her.

CHAPTER 7

The Plan Coming Together

She gave them three highly qualified contractors names. She told them the pros and cons of each contractor. Her group had worked with all three, and they were all trustworthy. Once the plans were finished would they like her to set up contractors to do estimated appointments. She explained that she would presend the plans to the contractors prior to their appointment.

The contractors would meet them at this site and walk through the space. Then a follow-up appointment with the contractors for showing them cost and duration of construction. She also stated that all three contractor appointments would be on the same day. Three walkthroughs, then three cost and duration meetings. For their benefit as well as hers. They agreed that would be so helpful and thanked Vanessa so much. Vanessa hugged both of them again and bid her adieu.

Jacksun’s and Carlow’s heads were spinning. Jacksun said, Bro, did all that just happen! I feel like we are being punked! I mean like, man this is crazy. Carlow definitely understood; he felt blown away. They had accomplished so much today. Carlow called Trina to tell her how much he appreciated the introduction to Vanessa. He explained how great she had been to them. Trina had a moment of hesitation before answering this call; it was Carlow. Tim looked over at his wife and saw the look and laughed.

Tim inquired, Is it Carlow, dear?

She scowled but nodded in the affirmative. Trina picked up the call and greeted Carlow with her usual warmth. She said, How did Vanessa work out? Was she able to help you and Jackson?

Carlow laughed with ease and said, She’s amazing. I mean, when she called, I thought she was slightly crazy. You just wouldn’t believe the ideas she gave us. Trina, Jacksun, and I just can’t thank you enough. It is like having a fairy godmother.

Carlow explained all the plans moving forward. Trina’s relief was palpable. She answered, Oh my god, Carlow, that is fantastic. Trina smugly hung up the phone. Then she did her happy dance. Tim knew it was time to eat crow. God he hated when she was right, which was often. Tim conceded that Vanessa was perfect for them. Vanessa just might be their fairy godmother.

Vanessa got back to Funkanometry in three days. She wanted to know when it was best for her to come over and present her drawings, specs, CAD presentation, and sample boards. She was holding back one tiny secret from them and a wonderful surprise. Her presentation of the architectural plan and the overall aesthetic couldn’t be better. She also had the boys sign power of attorney papers so that Vanessa could deal with all the building permits and all inspectors. She made the entire remodel process effortless and fun for them.

The contractor appointments went off without a hitch. Jacksun and Carlow sat down that evening after they finished their last appointment, reviewing the cost analysis, and the estimated project completion dates were very close. They kept coming back to the one contractor, Pete. Pete had three daughters all in dance. He glowed when discussing the project like he was doing it for them. They notified Vanessa about choosing Pete Day, and she made the calls. Of course, Pete was thrilled to get the call. Pete’s crew was very efficient. There was very little demolition to the building, the bathrooms and kitchen areas. Other than that, it was like an open warehouse. They started demolition with the ladies’ room, then they roughed in the new ladies’ room enough so there was a functional bathroom on-site. This prevented the need for port-a-potty rental, a cost saving, but also, they were not pleasant.

The studio rough draft:

CHAPTER 8

The Materials Matter

The kitchen and bathrooms were first to be completed. The kitchen design suggested by Vanessa was for durability and a polished masculine space, brushed stainless steel cabinetry with clear glass fronts on the upper cabinetry and plain stainless steel on the lower cabinets. The stainless steel structural quality removed the risk of wear, and this saved the maintenance expenses. The quartz was the perfect countertop for a business and complimented the stainless steel. The color they chose was blue galaxy; it was mainly a dark black and gray with flecks of vibrant blue. This color contrasted so well with their cabinetry. Quartz is maintenance-free and only requires daily cleaning. Quartz is among the top 3 hardest minerals naturally mined from the earth, making it one of the most durable countertops. It’s tougher than granite and more resistant to scratches, cracks, chips, and stains. Its high-gloss finish and naturally nonporous composition eliminates the need for sealant while reducing the potential for bacterial growth.

Next flooring the engineered hardwoods they chose were the color dark gray named French Oak Baker three-eighth-inch thick by six and a half inches wide. Installing the flooring made the room feel almost complete. The bathrooms were very subdued, white porcelain toilets used in all businesses. They found out from the contractors and Vanessa that color and product changes cost more. Plus the same products give a more conducive feel to the space.

They each had four undermount white sinks with black moen fixtures on the same quartz used in the kitchen. The flooring would be premium grade, one-inch-by-three-inch Herringbone Bardiglio gray marble mosaic tiles. The tiles showed various shades of gray. Jacksun liked his joke about the flooring; he called it the flooring of nearly fifty shades of gray, which was almost as bad as his other corny joke. You know what they say, Dance off pants off. The Italian Gray Bardiglio Marble Honed Herringbone is perfect for a high traffic bathroom.

The partitions they chose were matte black. These were full-height toilet partitions offering extreme privacy, an innovative floor-to-ceiling design feature. The bottom half of the walls would have ceramic tile of deep cerulean blue with patches of mossy green that gave a Mediterranean vibe to this vintage-inspired tile. A simulated crackled texture and rustic edge gave a handmade appearance while the smooth glossy surface provided a durable surface that was easy to wipe clean. All the selections for their new space reflected strength, durability, and ease of daily maintenance.

Once the kitchens and bathroom were completed, the renovations seemed to fly. Jacksun and Carlow stopped by at least once a day if not twice to see the progression of their studio. They noticed what they thought was a Vanessa touch. Food trucks on-site every day. Pete saw the boys and greeted them, Hey, isn’t Vanessa great? She has her cousin Lony bring a food truck twice a day. We get free coffee with any purchase every morning. Then at lunch, we all receive two large coolers filled with ice and bottled water every day. When we return the coolers, we get new ones. It is very thoughtful of her. Plus the food they sell is off the hook. Pete remarked to them that happy workers had been making great progress on this project. It was definitely so exciting to see their ideas come into fruition so quickly.

CHAPTER 9

Surviving College Life

Their main focus right now was their first semester of college. Jacksun and Carlow were adapting to college life. Jacksun had always been structured when it came to schooling. He got an assignment and completed it as soon as he could. Because of his ADHD medication, he maintained his focus in college, which had staggeringly large class sizes. The campus alone was overwhelming. Class sizes of four hundred students didn’t exist on Vancouver Island. At UCLA, it wasn’t unusual for class sizes to be around fifty to one hundred.

In fact, required core classes could be as large as three hundred to four hundred students. In your freshman year, you took many core classes. Carlow on the other hand was a procrastinator big-time. He thrived under a deadline. He was completely disorganized at times and always pushed the limits. They didn’t attend any of the same classes on purpose really. Their majors were different, and they both felt like they needed their own identity and independence. They both excelled in college, and both made the dean’s list in their first semester.

CHAPTER 10

Home for the Holidays

Winter break and they both needed island time. Home was their time to recharge. They didn’t go home over the November Thanksgiving like some of their classmates. Their Thanksgiving was in October. They found it amusing that college students didn’t realize Canadians don’t celebrate the American Thanksgiving holiday.

Traveling on the ferry for the last leg of the journey home, they both stood on the deck in silence and watched for the island to come into view. The sun was starting to set even though it was only five o’clock. The view was breathtaking; normally, they had their cell phones out, videoing to share on social media. For some unspoken reason, they each just took in the moment of seeing home again. The moment wasn’t sad or celebratory; the moment was the feeling of home, and they missed home.

Since they lived closer to the ferry landing, Jerome and Nicole went to pick them up, even though they had very busy lives—Jerome with his very active chiropractic business and his models of spines to work on. Nicole handled the Funkanometry merchandise and their household. They missed their boys very much. Jerome and Nicole always called them their boys because they of course loved Jacksun; he was their baby. Carlow also held a special place in both Nicole’s and Jerome’s hearts; he was just one of their kids, like Cypress or Jacksun. Jerome or Romie as they call him at times was usually filming or