What is the central idea of the passage? In the Middle Ages, spices that are now ordinary were rare imports from faraway places. The spices at the Champagne fair were from the Middle East, where they were used in cooking. Pepper was highly regarded in Europe, so merchants demanded more and more of it. The Champagne fairs relied on a vast trade network that drove up the prices of new and rare goods.

when alex falls for the charming new boy at school, cole -- a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her - she can't believe she's finally found her soul who truly loves and understands her.  

at first, alex is blissfully happy. sure, cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend zack, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all her time with another boy? as the months pass, though, alex can no longer ignore cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats.  

as alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose -- between her "true love" and herself.

explanation:

"it's more of an essay than story, but perhaps it is best described as a mood-piece: it uses a lot of musical imagery, not to mention sea imagery, religious imagery, and any other imagery that suits his purpose."