"It's this room." Ami said as she held up the brightly-coloured illustration of Usagi making a "V" sign. There was scrawled handwriting underneath that read "Karaoke Party!"
"Her writing could really use some work," Rei quipped as she peeredover Ami's shoulder.
"Yes but I'm sure Usagi was busy at the time. She probably wrote itin-between trying to get her homework done," Ami reasoned.
"I'm not sure you're talking about our Usagi, but anyway we should go in," Rei said while moving to the front and pushing the door open.
"Surprise!" Usagi and Minako shouted as streamers fell on the headsof a befuddled Ami and Rei.
Makoto was busily laying out trays of cakes, truffles and other sweets.
"It seems like you're organised … I'm really impressed." Rei admitted.
"Wow, that's high praise, coming from you, especially since you're so picky." Usagi said, leaning close to Rei.
"What year, month, day and minute have I ever been picky?" Rei demanded.
"I don't think you've told us what this party is for yet?" Ami asked, ignoring Usagi and Rei's banter.
"It was meant to be a surprise party. It's to celebrate the one-year anniversary of when the five of us first met," Makoto explained.
"It was meant to be a big surprise for everyone, but Minako saw me walking home with a whole lot of streamers one day." Usagi explained while pressing her index fingers together, feeling embarrassed about being caught. "I tried to come up with something …"
"But Usagi isn't the best liar," Minako finished. Usagi merely sighed in agreement.
"It's fine though, because I love parties! So I said that I would definitely help!" Minako said exuberantly while pumping her fist.
"And I was so grateful! It's hard organizing a surprise party all by yourself!" Usagi and Minako held hands in solidarity.
"You planned your own surprise party," Rei stated flatly.
"Minako and I tried cooking …" Usagi continued
"But it didn't work out," Minako finished for Usagi again, their heads hanging in shame.
"So, they asked me to help!" Makoto chimed in.
"Thanks Mako!" Usagi said with sincere gratitude.
"It's fine. I enjoyed making all these things. It's also an important day for all of us."
"Wait," Rei said evenly. "This was a surprise party for the four of us, but only two actually got a surprise?"
"Well, fifty percent isn't too bad," Ami giggled.
"That's true," Usagi agreed. "I get less than that on tests!"
All five girls laughed noisily and freely.
"It's already been a year," Ami said wistfully. "So much has happened since then. We've been through so many battles together."
"Come on, everyone. Get together!" Makoto said, setting up a camera.
"Good idea, Mako. This is a special day," Usagi said.
"It's a special day for all of us. We've been through a lot together," Minako said.
Rei nodded her head, and placed hand on Usagi's shoulder. "Thanks, Usagi."
Usagi shook her head. She gathered her girls around the camera.