Chapter one. We know you.
In the opening chapter of "We Know You," we are introduced to Mrs. Welcome, the school principal with a rigid demeanor and a distinctive helmet of wheat-colored hair. She sits behind her desk, her hands stapled together as she clicks her nails. Rachel, the protagonist, is in trouble for defending her friend, Sebastian, from relentless bullying. Despite her mother's attempts to defend her, Rachel feels misunderstood and frustrated.
The conflict centers around the daily torment Sebastian endures at the hands of Scott Turner and Brock Kendall. They mock his art and try to snatch his sketchbook, pushing Rachel to her breaking point. When the bullies grab Sebastian's sketchbook and mock his drawings of comic strip heroines, Rachel's anger boils over. She lashes out, resulting in a fight where Sebastian joins in to defend himself, only for the bullies to play the victims when an adult intervenes.
Mrs. Welcome chastises Rachel for resorting to violence, despite her and her mother's repeated complaints about the bullying. The principal insists that violence is never the answer, and even though Scott and Brock have never physically harmed Rachel or Sebastian, the emotional abuse is clear. Rachel's frustration is palpable as she challenges the principal's dismissive attitude, arguing that sometimes, action is necessary when words fail to stop the abuse.
Rachel's mother, though uncharacteristically disheveled from being called to the school early, stands firm in defending her daughter. She points out the school's failure to address the bullying adequately, emphasizing that Rachel and Sebastian have been victimized daily without any effective intervention. Mrs. Welcome, however, remains unmoved, focusing instead on punishing Rachel by suspending her for three days and removing her from the school play, "Our Town," where she was cast as Emily.
The chapter ends with Rachel's mother standing up to Mrs. Welcome, expressing her disappointment in the school's handling of the situation and affirming her daughter's integrity and bravery. Despite the unjust punishment, Rachel finds solace in her mother's support as they leave the principal's office, determined to confront the broader issues of bullying and institutional indifference.
This chapter sets the stage for a story about resilience, the fight against injustice, and the challenges of navigating a system that often fails to protect its most vulnerable students. Rachel's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she learns to stand up for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against her.
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Chapter Two: Sebastian
Sitting outside the principal's office, I felt triumphant. I had landed a punch squarely on Scott Turner's face. The impact sent a thrill through me, and the look of fear and surprise on Scott's face was etched in my memory. I sketched his expression in my science notebook, imagining how I'd enhance it later to show Rachel. She’d love it.
Just then, the principal's door opened, and Rachel emerged with her mom, Mrs. Rendell, who looked uncharacteristically disheveled. Rachel's usually composed face was red and strained from holding back tears. My elation faded. I assumed she’d been given detention, maybe an essay on nonviolence.
"Rachel," I whispered as her mom signed them out. Rachel's reply shocked me. "Three-day suspension and no school play," she said, her voice thick. Seeing her distress made my eyes sting. Rachel, usually so strong, looked defeated. "I'm sorry," I said. "I'll tell them it’s my fault." But Rachel, fierce and unwavering, declared, "It’s their fault, not yours."
Rachel was awe-inspiring in her fury, a true superhero. Her strength in adversity made her even more beautiful to me. I vowed to make things right and never let her fight for me again.
Rachel and I lived across from each other, and our families had been close since my dad died suddenly when I was 11. The Rendells had been a constant support. Despite my efforts, I couldn't get Rachel out of trouble. I received a three-day suspension too, but my liberal mom, Carol, saw it as a learning opportunity.
On day two of our suspension, Rachel came over to work on homework. "Are you all right?" I asked. She was unusually quiet. "I’m fine," she said, focusing intently on her work. "I’m not going to lose my temper again. I have plans, and I don't want to screw them up."
Rachel's fight with Scott and Brock had left her more determined. "You won't screw it up," I reassured her. She outlined her life plan: NYU, film sets, grad school, and marriage by 28. "Married?" I echoed, stunned. To whom? Her future seemed so neatly planned, unlike my own.
"What if you don't find someone?" I asked. Rachel, always direct, countered, "Would you say that if I was a man?" She was right, of course. Men were often expected to prioritize careers over personal life.
I suggested a "stopgap"—a contingency plan. "Marry your best friend," I half-joked, not expecting her to take it seriously. But Rachel considered it. Together, we wrote a silly contract, outlining the terms of our ridiculous pact. The suspension turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me, not for the punishment, but for bringing Rachel and me closer together.
Chapter three. Rachel. 14 years later.
In Chapter Three, Rachel, fourteen years later, reflects on her life with a blend of nostalgia and resignation. Despite her high hopes, neither her career nor her romantic life panned out as expected, except for the comforting constant of Mandarin Lane, a picturesque cul-de-sac in San Diego. The serene neighborhood, with its consistently sunny skies and annual Santa Ana winds, contrasts sharply with Rachel's current residence in a drab Hollywood apartment.
Rachel's apartment life is far from glamorous. She shares the space with her roommate Ruth, who opts for laundromat services, unlike Rachel who battles ineffective basement dryers. Every couple of weeks, Rachel visits her parents, enjoying her mother's home-cooked meals and folding laundry together, while her father inquires about her job. The family ritual of decorating their house for Christmas highlights their close-knit bond. Mandarin Lane's competitive holiday spirit further underscores this connection.
During one such visit, Rachel reluctantly informs her parents about her breakup with Bruce. Her mother, ever supportive, offers comforting words, though Rachel's spirits remain low. Despite her mother's encouragement to try dating apps like Tinder, Rachel feels disheartened and skeptical about finding genuine love. Her father's misplaced suggestion of "Grinder" instead of Tinder adds a touch of humor to the scene.
As the family continues their holiday preparations, Rachel is reminded of her mother's resilience during her breast cancer battle, recalling how their neighbors, Carol and Roy, had decorated their house in a gesture of kindness. This memory deepens Rachel's appreciation for her community.
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Rachel’s job as a writer's assistant on a lackluster TV show, "Romance Lndia," adds to her frustration. Despite her talents, she remains stuck in a role that doesn't fulfill her, with no clear prospects for advancement. Her mother's optimistic belief that Rachel's professional success will attract a better caliber of man feels hollow to her.
During this visit, Carol, now an astrologer and tarot card reader, delivers a Christmas card from Sebastian, an old high school friend. The card's message rekindles memories of their past and a pact they made to reunite when they turned thirty. Sebastian's return to Mandarin Lane for Christmas offers a glimmer of hope and a possible reconnection.
Rachel's contemplation of her past, present, and future is tinged with a mix of melancholy and anticipation. The promise of seeing Sebastian again adds a layer of intrigue to her otherwise monotonous routine. As she pockets the card, the prospect of reuniting with an old friend over the holidays lingers in her mind, hinting at the possibility of new beginnings.
Chapter Four: Rachel on Christmas Eve
Sandra, the showrunner on the romance series "Lancia," could only hear my story pitch on Christmas Eve, which was typical since no one ever stopped working in our industry. I was an assistant, dreaming of moving up the ladder. The Guild reserved two shows per season for non-staff writers, usually assistants, as a reward for our hard work. The payout was substantial, and now it was my chance.
I pitched my story about a hacker, despite my nerves making it difficult to sound excited. Sandra, nearly six feet tall with a stern expression accentuated by Botox, listened. Her reactions were hard to read, which made pitching even more challenging. "A hacker," I began, explaining how an FBI agent tracks him across the dark web, with the twist that he's a sexy nerd right under her nose. Sandra, with her habitual tape-picking tic, was unimpressed. She wanted hope and growth, not exotic locations and criminal activity.
Sandra decided to do me a favor, though I preferred the recognition and financial reward of a writing credit. The executives upstairs had asked for episodes before, and now they wanted a story based on the viral deleted video. It was a common sex video until the woman noticed her boyfriend’s phone recording, leading to a desperate struggle to delete it, which millions witnessed. Sandra wanted me to write about the woman's life afterward, finding true love and overcoming her past. I couldn't object, though I didn't like the idea.
Sandra's ultimatum was clear: either I move up, or I move out. She believed in my potential and wanted me to break the story with CJ, the head writer. On the drive home, stuck in traffic, I called Ruth, a friend and sharp story analyst. She encouraged me to make the humiliation into an emotional connection. However, I struggled with the ethical implications of using a real person's experience.
As I arrived home, I was greeted by the smell of turkey and mulled wine. My mind was still occupied with the story dilemma when I almost collided with a man who seemed familiar but transformed. It was Sebastian Barton, someone I had known from school who was now strikingly handsome and confident. His transformation from a frail, socially awkward boy to a fit, self-assured man was astonishing. Our brief encounter left me flustered, and I realized that despite the changes, some things remained the same, like his nostalgic cardigan from his grandfather.
This unexpected meeting with Sebastian added another layer to my already complex Christmas Eve, intertwining past and present in a way that mirrored the transformations I hoped to achieve in my career.
Chapter five. Sebastian.
In Chapter Five of "Sebastian," the narrative dives into a reunion that sparks old feelings and new complications. The protagonist encounters Rachel, an old friend who still holds an effortless beauty and an uncanny understanding of him. Their conversation is interrupted by Rachel's father, Rob Randall, who, along with his wife and other family members, brings up the past agreement between Rachel and the protagonist to marry if they were both single by a certain age.
The scene is set during a family gathering, emphasizing the holiday spirit with Christmas music and decorations. Rachel's spontaneous and joyful nature contrasts with the protagonist's more reserved demeanor, creating a palpable tension between them. Rachel’s father mentions that they still have amazing taste, referring to the protagonist’s current endeavors, subtly hinting at shared history and mutual respect.
As the family members converge, discussions about the past pact intensify. The protagonist tries to deflect the attention, downplaying his financial ventures and avoiding the topic of his father's untimely death due to stress, which worries his current partner, Carol. The protagonist’s mother, Carol, is depicted in her typical flamboyant attire, emphasizing her eccentricity and belief in astrology and psychic readings, which has led her to fantasize about her son marrying Rachel.
Rachel's reaction to the family's conversation is one of surprise and discomfort. Her bouncing stops momentarily when her mother, Mrs. Randall, casually mentions the wedding. The protagonist takes charge, stepping into the dining room to address the gathered family. The room is filled with characters, each adding to the chaotic and comedic tension: Rachel's mother in a gaudy Christmas sweater, Carol in her bejeweled muumuu, and various children creating a backdrop of holiday noise.
The climax of the chapter comes when Rachel’s father, Mr. Randall, points a spoon at the protagonist, prompting him to explain their marriage pact. The protagonist tries to calm the situation, emphasizing that it was just an agreement made long ago and not a serious commitment. Rachel, visibly distressed, denies any immediate plans to marry, further complicating the conversation. The protagonist’s mother seizes this moment to push her long-held fantasy of their union, referencing astrological charts and psychic readings as proof of their destined relationship.
The chapter ends with the protagonist demanding silence, bringing the chaotic discussion to a halt. Rachel looks at him with wide eyes, her reaction a mix of surprise and contemplation, hinting at unresolved feelings and the potential for future developments in their relationship.
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