code for “Page” in custom template

What code do I put in a custom “Page” template for a page created from WP admin “Write Page” to show up?

It’s in the database + written to my .htaccess file for the permalink.

I show the page with header, sidebar + footer that I’ve designated in the template, and chosen the template from the pull down in Admin.

What I’ve entered in “Write Page” is xhtml with just simple divs, classes, + ids from my style sheet. I notice that when I go to edit it, it shows up in the “Write Post” tab, but it is still in the Manage “Page” section (not Post section).

I’ve been searching the forum + the codex for hours, a nudge would be greatly appreciated!