A Song for a Soldier

*****

(Zacky's P.O.V)

I'll never forget the day I met Anna, a girl who would soon forever change my life. We were currently touring around Europe when our management team had called and said we were approved to tavel over to Afghanistan and preform at the United States Army base camp. It was extremely hot and the winds were incredibly high the day we had arrived. I remember seeing a group of soldiers walking past us with huge grins plastered on their faces once they realized who we were.

That's when she caught my attention. She was short, probably between 5'0-5'2, with dark black hair and mesmerizing green eyes that you could get lost in instantly. I couldn't help myself as I casually strode over to her as she stood by herself outside of a large tent, probably their living quaters. "Hi, I'm sorry to bother you but you looked like you could use some company." She stared at me with her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights until she finally spoke. "Oh my, you're Zacky V from Avenged Sevenfold." Her voice came out a bit shaky but none the less intoxicating. I smiled, extending my hand for her to shake. Instead I got a bear hug that I definitely wasn't expecting but happily returned.

"So you're a fan." I chuckled as I saw a slight blush creep on her cheeks. "Yes sir, I am. I'm sorry, my name is Anna, Anna Ramirez. Well actually just call me Anna. Or if you'd like you can call me Private First Class Ramirez, whatever you want though sir." I couldn't help but smile at how nervous she was as she kept rambling on about what name I should call her by. "I like that name, Anna, it's very pretty. It suits you very well." Again she looked at me with wide eyes only this time her face was as red as a tomato. "Um, thank you sir. I-Uh-Would you like to take a look around the base with me? I mean if you can, if not I totally understand. I mean you are a famous rockstar after all." I looked over back to where the guys had all been last standing talking to the head sargents of the base when I noticed Matt was waving me over.

"Hang on one sec, I'll be right back." I said before I quickly headed over to the group leaving Anna standing there with a shocked expression still stuck on her face. "I see you've met one of our finest members on the squad." One of the sargeants said with a smile. I nodded, returning the smile. "Well we thought that it would be great if you guys could put on a show for the troops out here tonight, it's been so long since they've gotten any sort of entertainment. I hope you don't mind the limited space though." We all shook our heads in agreement, it was completely understandable seeing as they were in the middle of fighting a war to defend our country. "Well men I'll show you around to everything, you're welcome to continue your tour with Private First Class Ramirez, Mr. Baker sir." I gladly accepted the sargents offer before telling the guys that I would meet back up with them shortly before it was time to go on.

"So how about we go on that tour now?" I asked Anna once I returned beside her. She only nodded before motioning for me to following alongside her. I waved and smiled and took an occasional picture or signed an autograph as we passed by different stations to each soldier that came into view. It didn't seem to bother Anna one bit though, which I was glad. "So how long have you been out here?" I asked casually as we walked into a lounging area. She paused some before answering me. "I've been here for 2 years and I've been in the Army for a total of 4." I looked at her in astonishment, amazed that someone could be away from home for so long. Even though I'm away from home constantly, I still get to go back once everything is finished. Not like Anna and everyone else, they had to stay here until their tours were completely served. "Do you miss home?" She suddenly looked away from me, signaling that I must have hit a nerve.

"I'm really sorry, I shouldn't have asked that." I apologized sincerely. She shook her head and wiped at her eyes before turning back to face me. "It's totally fine, it's just I really do miss being home. I haven't seen my parents since last Christmas when I got to go home for the holidays, it just sucks. But I'm sure you sort of know what it's like to be away from the ones you care about." I placed my hand on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "Of course I do, but I can't imagine how you must feel." She stared at me for a brief moment like if she was trying to think of what to say next.

"By the way, how old are you?" But before she could answer, the head sargent I had spoken to earlier had come into the room. She quickly stood at attention, raising her hand to her forehead in respect. "Sorry to interrupt PFC Ramirez but Mr. Baker your friend's need to see you and Ramirez you have some mail waiting for you in your station ma'am." I replied with a simple "Thank you sir." and a smile while Anna saluted to him before he left the room.

"I'm sorry but it seems that duty calls. I'm really glad that we got to know each other though. I'll see you later on tonight." I said, standing up from the chair that I was sitting down on at a small table. I pulled Anna into a light hug before I started on my way back outside to the guys. "Hey, by the way, I'm 22." I suddenly heard her voice say as she followed out behind me. I couldn't help but to smile at her as she headed in the opposite direction that I was until she eventually disappeared into one of the many housing tents.

I could already tell that this was going to be one day that I was never going to forget.