"How do you think they'll react?" Rachel asked as her and Ross made their way up the familiar stairs, heading to Monica and Chandler's apartment.
"Well I think they'll be shocked, that's for sure," Ross answered. "But I think they'll be very, very happy."
"Happier than you?"
"No one could be happier than I am right now."
They arrived at the door. Before they entered though, Ross pulled Rachel to him, wrapping his arms around her. He kissed the top of her head before pulling away. "How about I go in first… make it even more of a surprise."
She nodded, so Ross opened the door slowly and walked in.
"Hi," Ross said, his voice full of sorrow and pain. The apartment was empty except for the dog statue, the couch, and the four other friends squished together on that couch. As Ross came in and made himself know, four heads turned his way.
"Hey Ross, how are you?" Chandler said, concerned. Chandler, Monica, and Joey had all gotten the story from Phoebe, believing that Rachel was currently in Paris, and were all worried about Ross' current state.
"I don't know," Ross answered, pretending to be sad. It was hard for him because all he could think about was Rachel, and that always made him smile.
The four all got up immediately, and made their way over to Ross. As they all embraced in a group hug, Rachel decided to come in. She walked over to the group, and embraced the group from behind, wrapping her arms around Ross and Monica. Monica, feeling a new arm on her back, turned around suddenly.
"Rachel!" Monica yelled.
The other three turned around too, and noticed Rachel standing there.
Everyone was shocked at first, looking between Rachel and Ross, before Monica yelled again, and sprang forward to hug Rachel.
Ross just observed as his friends all embraced Rachel, a huge smile on his face.
When everyone backed away again, Rachel walked over to Ross and wrapped her arms around his waist. He did the same, enveloping her in his arms. He smiled down at her, and she smiled back. They looked at each other like this for a few moments, as everyone observed their happiness.
"So surprise!" Ross said, turning back to his friends.
"What happened? I mean, how? I mean, why? I mean – how?!" Chandler stuttered, confused.
Rachel smiled. "I guess I just couldn't leave," she said, smiling again at Ross. He leaned down and kissed the top of her forehead.
"But you got on the plane!" Phoebe said.
"Yeah, I did." Rachel said, and told the story. As she told the story, though, they all moved over to the couch. Monica and Chandler sat on one end, and Ross and Rachel on the other, while Joey and Phoebe sat on the ground across from them. Rachel intertwined her fingers with Ross', and leaned against him as they both recounted the sad story with the happy ending.