Conversations on the Tube: John Bercow vs Nicola Sturgeon

Part Four

John let out a long heartfelt sigh before returning to his seat. He unexpectantly felt Sturgeon patting him on the shoulder, probably a little harder than what she would usually do.

"I see. I understand how hard and frustrating it must be having to play piggy in the middle all the time, especially having such strong and passionate views and opinions as yourself John... If I could only convince the whips and other parties to settle for a second vote for independence...and Brexit..."

John looked up at her and made a pleading sort of eye contact.

"Isn't there anything else your people are calling for? Better education, transport etcetera?"

"Well yes, there is always that, but to be honest with you John... I just want to, how should I put it? I want to paint everything tartan and blue and white again. I'm absolutely potty and proud about and for Scotland. I want to make it something and somewhere to be admired and noteworthy of like in the good old days of centuries gone past where we were respected and had control over our own part of the UK. People always look past us or stereotype us over Londoners and other parts of this troubled country... I just want that to change."

Nicola could start to feel peoples' penetrating eyes gazing at her from all directions, in half amazement and part humour.

"You do know..."

John piped up...

"that that's all in your head? To make the changes you're wanting you need to be more assertive and proactive as a member of parliament, no matter what side of the argument or situation you stand. Actions speak louder than words and if you can form your words in a way in which actions may be pursued upon, then your dreams may just come to fruition, although in the kindest possible way Nicola, I sincerely hope they don't. This country is already divided enough as it is at the moment."

Sturgeon sat blot upright in her tube seat, almost stunned into silence and taken a back for several minutes, until she plucked up the courage to say:

"Thank you, John. You have certainly given me a lot to think about and to work on in myself and for the country. I hadn't realised it until now, but I will strive to do better. Thank you."

They shared an awkward smile together before both standing up and departing out of the tube station and into the cold and whimsical Westminster air, each going their separate ways but both with an enhanced spring in their step, Sturgeon albeit, mildly embarrassed to say the least.

The End