Gabe Brooks and Rachel Williams
Gabe Brooks and Rachel Williams met during Rachel’s first day at a Portland public school in winter 2013. They were friends for approximately three years before beginning a romantic relationship in high school and later married.
Origins
Zoey Thomas introduced Rachel to Gabe and Darren Ross at lunch on Rachel’s first day after her transfer from Sunnyvale, California. Gabe asked why Rachel spoke so formally. She explained that she was autistic and that her speech pattern was one characteristic of her autism. Gabe accepted her explanation and called her “California” as they left lunch. The nickname remained part of their shared history.
Main article: Rachel Williams’s First Day at Portland Public School (Winter 2013)
Relationship Development
Rachel and Gabe remained in the same friendship group with Zoey and Darren. Their friendship lasted approximately three years before they began dating in high school. The relationship later continued into marriage.
Dynamics and Communication
Gabe sometimes misunderstood Rachel’s communication or needs. When Rachel told him that he had hurt or upset her, he apologized and changed his behavior. He learned to account for her communication and sensory needs rather than treating those needs as a reason to exclude her.
Related Entries
- Gabe Brooks
- Rachel Williams
- Zoey Thomas
- Darren Ross
- Rachel Williams’s First Day at Portland Public School (Winter 2013)