Only Fools: The Final Stretch (Completed)

22

When Thirdy and Bea arrived at the office naabutan nila si Jules convincing Billie to sign the documents para sa project na gagawin nila. Unfortunately ayaw pumirma ni Billie hanggang wala si Thirdy. With the Qatar project canceled, they needed the help of Billie. Though Billie doesn't know this she takes advantage of the situation by inviting Thirdy to see the site with her and stay for 2 days and they can stay at the hotel. Bea, knowing the dilemma the company is facing, agrees kahit ayaw ni Thirdy sumama kay Billie. 

Sabay dumating si Billie and Thirdy at the hotel, Bea followed, as per Thirdy's request. Bea offered to just stay inside the hotel room, though Thirdy disagrees, she was able to convince him. Sa dinner, Billie was persisting for Thirdy to get a divorce so they can be together which drove him to the wall and left her. Bea was so relieved to see him. Until Thirdy decides he doesn't want work with Billie and Bea can't do anything anymore.

Jules received the news from their Qatar partner that there is nothing that can be done, the cancellation of the project is final. She checked with Bea to get feedback regarding the documents that need to be signed by Billie, unfortunately, Bea can only deliver the bad news that Thirdy initiated the cancellation of the said project with Billie.

Jules advised Mozzy about it and Mozzy told Gigi. Gigi went to her and they talked about the bankruptcy of Art Life. Little did they know that Amara was still awake hearing what they were talking about selling the horses. Amara pleaded not to sell the pony.

In the morning, Thirdy and Bea came to pick up Amara. When she appeared, she has her piggy bank with her giving it to Thirdy which surprised him.

"Ano nangyari?"

She walked up to them with her head down.

"I brought you my money, Daddy. Andyan po lahat ng nisave ko, please don't sell the ponies."

"Anak, why should I sell the ponies? Hindi ko gagawin un. Pwde pa kita bilhan ng 2 kung gusto mo." Thirdy explained to her.

"We don't have money na po, bankrupt na. My money is enough for us, Daddy, don't be upset po."

Hindi na naiintindihan ni Thirdy nangyayari.

"Ano ba nangyari, ano sinabi nyo kay Amara para mag isip sya ng ganito?"

"Thirdy-" Bea said trying to get his attention.

"What?"

-------------------------------------------

"How can you not tell me?" Tanong ni Thirdy kanila Jules pagdating sa office. "Seriously, hindi ko maintindihan. Bakit nyo tinago sa akin ito?  We have gone bankrupt and Thirdy Ravena doesn't even know! Bakit?" He was frantic. "Explain nyo sa akin. Hindi tayo makabayad ng utang, hindi tayo makakuha ng loan, all our money are in the bank, hindi tayo makapagpasweldo, hindi nyo ako sinabihan. Bakit?"

"Thirdy, naayos ko naman ito dati. Akala ko magagawan ko pa ng solution ito eh. You have been unhappy for years and ngayon ka lang naging masaya. Nasa honeymoon ka with your wife, I didn't want to spoil it." Jules replied.

"So umuwi tayo ng maaga, flew in economy class, kaya ayaw mo ipagamit credit card ko kasi alam mo." He's now facing Bea.

Bea just nodded.

"Walang kasalanan si Bea dito. Nakiusap ako not to tell you, hindi din alam ni Anton."

"I know, I should have said something."

"It won't make a difference, Bei. Sobrang laki ng kailangan, we can't come up with that amount right away." Anton said.

"Sa palagay mo ba pera ang problema ko, Anton?" Thirdy asked him. "Kelan ko naging problema ang pera. Paano natin tinayo ito, diba 3 lang tayo? We started with three chairs. Madami ba tayong pera nun? Wala! Pero ano ang sinabi natin? Hindi importante ang pera sa akin. Pero, kelan ako nag sikreto sa inyo? Never! So ngayon we have gone bankrupt, sorry Bea pero ung Italy project mo, ung pangarap mo, wala na."

"It doesn't matter." Bea said.

"Importante un." He started to pick up his keys.

"San ka pupunta?" Bea asked but didn't get a reply from him.

Bea followed after a few minutes and found him at the park near the office.

"Kanina pa kita hinahanap."

"Kailangan ko mag isip." Thirdy said, softly.

"Thirds, sorry. May pera pa ako dun sa shares ko sa Art Life, hindi ko ginagalaw, nasa bank lang."

"Para kay Amara?"

"Oo pero ngayon it's important to save Art Life."

"No, Bea, there's no need. Hindi ko gagalawin ang pera para sa anak ko just to pay for my mistakes and ambitions."

"Ano gagawin mo?"

"May mga nakausap na akong mga tao who trusts me, I was able to get a pledge for a good amount. Hindi kalakihan so it won't be enough and I need to make a decision."

"And?"

"I can't save your work in Italy and Art Life at the same time. Sobrang gahol sa oras to raise funds, it's just impossible."

"Alam ko pipiliin mo ang Art Life. This is your brainchild, ilang taon mo trinabaho."

"I can't. Nung kailangan mo maghanap ng investors, pinilit ko ang Art Life because un ang pangarap mo."

"Don't be silly, Thirds. Andaming umaasa syo, ung mga employees mo. You can't just turn your back on them. I can't accept it. Kahit mawala sa akin ung project sa Italy, may darating pa, okay? Kailangan ko na umalis para puntahan si Amara. I love you very much and nothing will come between us. Save Art Life, don't think about me, I'm fine. If you want to be alone, okay lang but just don't let me worry." She kissed him before leaving.

---------------------------------------

Bea was worried at home. Mr. Lago has been making phone calls but each was unsuccessful. Jules has set a meeting with the employee to advise them of the situation at the office.

While Bea was walking to and from, Thirdy came.

"Kanina pa kita hinihintay."

"Madami ako kailangan asikasuhin." Thirdy explained briefly.

"Thirdy, look, ung Art Life para mo na syang anak. Don't be upset, you have made the right decision."

Bea's phone buzzed for a message.

"Bakit nagmemessage pa itong mga Italians?" She wondered.

"Kasi itutuloy mo ung project mo sa Italy. Art Life will be your sponsor/partner."

"Huh? Paano nangyari un? Sabi mo we can't save both."

"I told you, I'll figure out."

"Ano ginawa mo?"

While Jules were talking to the employees, dumating si Thirdy.

"We will continue Bea's project and Art Life."

"But it's not impossible, Thirdy." Jules said.

"I'll sell my shares."

"What?" Anton and Jules reacted in unison.

"Di mo pwede gawin yan." Jules said.

"Paanong magiging Art Life ito kung wala ka?" Tanong ni Anton.

"Wala akong choice, this is the best solution."

Jules and Anton were trying to stop Thirdy, they felt abandoned hanggang sa nagkatampuhan na sila.

"Bea, everything will be right. Tama na sa akin na nasa tabi kita, nakangiti."