The following ~450 word short was hastily written in response to a writing group challenge. The challenge's prompt was "I married a Martian." It's the first light-hearted thing I've written in a good while. I hope you enjoy!
I Married a Martian
by Jeff Hargett
Yes, I broke the interspecies marriage law, but how was I to know Cosp wanted to destroy Earth? I mean, he's a Martian. Why should he care?
Zelda told me I was asking for trouble. "All Martians want to destroy Earth," she said. Orson Wells tried to tell us, but nobody listened. Well, Chuck Jones listened and created Marvin, so maybe it had to do with Bugs getting the better of him on Saturday mornings.
It was a vortex relationship. I spotted him while on vacation. He was taking the same lunar orbit holiday cruise I was. I had to settle for the $999,999.99 cheap seats, but there he was three rows ahead of me on the left. I'm a sucker for silver hair and Cosp's hung past his shoulders. It highlighted that ever-so-sexy blue-tinted skin of his. That Martian smote me before he saw me. Three days and 250,000 miles later we were hunting for preachers.Marrying a Martian ain't easy. The first thing you got to do is get to Iceland. It's the only place on Earth so far that's repealed that blasted law. And if that wasn't enough, finding somebody willing to join baby-face blue and auburn-topped ivory in holy matrimony is about as easy as eating triple-scoop butter pecan in the Mojave before it melts. And then they charge you extra.
We honeymooned there. Seven days and six nights with excursions to Greenland wasn't my idea. Cosp said it reminded him of home. Too much heat and his complexion turns all aqua, he said. I bought it. How was I to know the central complex for the planetary defense shield rested square in the middle of Greenland?
Our marriage was about as brief as our courtship was. There I was basking in Greenland's balmy twelve degree sunshine and every alarm on the planet goes crazy. Cosp said he was going to the lavatory. Didn't dawn on me until later that Martians void by sweating. It ain't as bad as it sounds though. It's odorless.
I never saw my husband again. I guess they got him. It ain't like Martians can turn invisible or beam back to Mars. They never came after me though. Cosp must have kept us a secret. Say what you will, but that hunk of sexy alien had a soft spot for me in both of those blue hearts of his, ulterior motive or not.
Yes, I married a Martian, but blast my asteroids, I'd do it again.
Cute, Jeff. Had me smiling the entire time :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elsie. I hoped it would have that effect.
DeleteThis is oozing with voice. Unfortunately, it didn't really resonate with me; however, it isn't too badly written, it's mostly preference. I would've liked the conflict to feel stronger, but with 450 words I'll leave you off with a warning. ;)
ReplyDeleteWarning heeded, my good friend. :)
DeleteNow that brought a smile to my face. Loved the distinctive voice and humour throughout.
ReplyDeleteHumor can be so tough to convey. Glad it worked.
DeleteThat was funny! She'll know the warning signs next time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex. I'm so glad the humor came through.
DeleteYeah, Alex, but she said she would do it again. Enjoyed it Jeff. Cute little story.
ReplyDeleteThis was very quickly written and done on the spur of the moment. Felt good writing something light for a change. Glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteHey any post that has a picture of Marvin is worth the read. I wonder what Marvin would think of is blue cousin?
ReplyDeleteI figure we've all seen far too many green Martians, right? And yeah, Marvin is the coolest little Martian around.
DeleteMarvin rocks! ... as to the story, nicely done, Sir! Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteMy gratitude to you, Widder! And yes, Marvin rocks Mars and Earth both!
DeleteAlways my favorite of the Chuck Jones era!
ReplyDeleteMarvin has always been one of my favorites.
DeleteThat's why I stick to dragons. One never knows with alien races.
ReplyDeleteDragons do have their charm. :)
DeleteThat was very funny. Nicely done in so few words. I especially liked the little touches like two hearts and the sweating.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
Why thanks, Mood. Trimming up my natural word count is a constant challenge. Glad you liked it. :)
DeleteLove being a vortex, that is so true be it Martian or not!
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show you can have a whirlwind in space too! :)
DeleteI'm liking this, Jeff. I married somebody from Uranus. Evidently you can get a special cream for asteroids :)
ReplyDeleteTake care, my friend.
Gary :)
Thanks for the chuckle, Gary.
DeleteEnjoyed this a lot! Thanks, Jeff.
ReplyDeleteThat makes my day, Nicole. Thank you.
DeleteWhat a fun little story! I especially love the Martian details scattered throughout--such a nice, humorous way to throw in some world-building! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're the greatest, Heather. I think I've finally shaken (for the most part) the urge to info dump. Easier to avoid it in a short story though. Very glad you enjoyed it.
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