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Gabe Brooks

Gabriel Tyler “Gabe” Brooks was a Black American drummer and baseball player from Portland, Oregon, born on February 14, 2001. He had known Darren Ross since tee-ball and became close friends with Zoey Thomas during middle school. He met Rachel Williams when Zoey brought her to their lunch table on Rachel’s first day at the school. In high school, he began dating Rachel after approximately three years of friendship.

Early Life and Background

Gabe lived primarily with his father, Jamal Brooks, a TriMet bus driver. He was in sixth grade during the 2012–2013 school year. He disliked having a Valentine’s Day birthday.

Baseball was part of Gabe’s long friendship with Darren. He also played drums.

Gabe participated in Darren and Danny’s move into their apartment in early 2013. During the move, he carried a lamp balanced on his head and later jumped on Darren’s mattress with other members of the baseball team.

Personality and Communication

Gabe was outgoing, funny, caring, and loyal. His humor was part of his ordinary communication with friends, including during stressful situations. He adjusted his language and behavior when people close to him explained that he had caused harm.

Gabe spoke African American English naturally with family and close friends and used more formal English in settings where it was expected.

Physical Characteristics

During sixth grade, Gabe was approximately five feet tall with a lean build. He had short, tightly curled black hair worn in a fade and an expressive face. His movement was generally relaxed and energetic.

Family and Core Relationships

Jamal Brooks

Jamal was Gabe’s primary parent and worked as a TriMet bus driver.

Romantic and Significant Relationships

Rachel Williams

Main article: Gabe Brooks and Rachel Williams

Gabe met Rachel after she transferred schools during the winter of 2013. Their friendship lasted approximately three years before they began dating in high school. Gabe learned to account for Rachel’s communication and sensory needs and changed his behavior when she told him that something was not working for her.

On Rachel’s first day, Gabe asked directly why she spoke so formally. After she explained that she was autistic, he accepted the answer without challenging it. His nickname for her, “California,” began at that lunch and remained part of their shared history.

Main article: Rachel Williams’s First Day at Portland Public School (Winter 2013)

Friendships and Social Connections

Darren Ross

Main article: Darren Ross and Gabe Brooks

Gabe and Darren met through tee-ball circa 2006–2007. Their friendship continued through baseball, the 2013 custody proceedings, Darren’s move into an apartment with Danny, and Danny’s death in 2022.

Zoey Thomas

Main article: Gabe Brooks and Zoey Thomas

Zoey joined Gabe and Darren’s friendship group during middle school. The three maintained a close friendship during the instability surrounding Darren’s home life and custody proceedings.

Characters Supporting Characters Living Characters Black Characters Black American Characters