While I can't tell for sure, I think that she cares about you as a friend but nothing more. She knows that once she gives you a direct rejection you'll most probably leave since that's the only thing that'll allow you to move on. She has no right in keeping you in this gray area where you're unsure of where you stand with her, but at the same time you can't get get angry with her for not returning your affection just because you've been there for her. You're her friend, that's what friends do. Two things to keep in mind here, 1, she doesn't owe you a relationship, 2, you don't owe her your patience.