First, there was the deafening bang of the bullet being fired from the gun. Next came the loud shattering of the glass as the bullet came flying through the window. Then was the shocked, barely audible gasp and finally came the soft thud as Tara Maclay's seemingly lifeless body hit the floor.

"Tara?" Willow called desperately, rushing to her girlfriend's side. "Tara! Tara? Baby please. No. Stay with me Tara. Please don't leave me." The tears fell rapidly from her eyes like a waterfall as Willow pulled her beloved blonde into her arms. "Tara?"

"Willow?" Came Tara's weak voice, her eyes fluttering open.

"Oh Tara. Baby. Thank God. I'm here sweetie. I'm right here. Stay with me ok? Don't leave me."

Tara reached for Willow's hand and clasped it weakly with her own. Willow squeezed back as tears of relief fell slowly.

"Willow?" Tara asked again.

"I'm here. What's wrong?"

"Willow my legs really hurt. And I don't feel so good." She said, her lids closing again.

"It'll be ok Baby. Just hold on. Stay with me ok?"

Tara nodded weakly. "Please don't leave me Willow." She managed to get out slowly.

"I promise. Not now, not ever. " Willow said solemnly, starting to stroke her girlfriend's blonde hair.

"It hurts." Tara winced softly.

"I know Baby. I know. It'll be ok. Just breathe. Stay with me."

"Willow?" Came Xander's voice. Willow looked up to see her friend standing in the doorway.

"Willow are you ok? What happened?" Xander asked, rushing over as he noticed them, Willow just kneeling there with Tara in her arms.

"Xander…" Willow said, trying to process everything.

"Yeah, Will, I'm here. What do you need?" He asked, crouching down next to her.

"I… I…" Willow started, struggling to get the words out. "Ambulance. " She said finally. "We need an ambulance."

"We?"

"Me and Tara. Xander I don't have time. She doesn't have time. Will you just get it? Please?"

"Sure, I'm on it. Hang tight ok?"

"Here that Baby?" Tara asked when Xander had disappeared to make the phone call. Tara groaned. "What?"

"Stay with me ok? Don't go anywhere. Help's on the way."